Canada: Elected Officials in Ottawa Proclaim Falun Dafa Day and Commend the Spiritual Practice

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021 is the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day. Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa proclaimed May 13, 2021 Falun Dafa Day in the city. Elected officials at the federal, provincial and city levels in Ottawa sent greeting letters to mark the 29^th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. 

The officials said that the society, especially during the pandemic, needs the values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They commended Falun Gong practitioners for their contribution to health and morality. 

Mayor of Ottawa Issues Proclamation for the Tenth Year

Mayor Jim Watson proclaimed May 13 Falun Dafa Day in Ottawa for the tenth year.

Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa stated in his proclamation, “Falun Dafa practitioners follow the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance and incorporate them into their daily lives, striving to become better people in all environments and situations.”

“Falun Dafa practitioners in Ottawa and worldwide are joyously celebrating the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public during May 2021.”

Shadow Minister for Jobs and Industry: Many Blessings for a Wonderful Falun Dafa Day Celebration

Letter from Member of Parliament (MP) Pierre Poilievre, Shadow Minister for Jobs and Industry

MP Pierre Poilievre stated in his letter, “I admire the courage of Falun Dafa practitioners in Canada and around the world. They have triumphed in celebration of the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, and rejected the darkness and oppression of the Chinese Communist Party. I commend Falun Dafa practitioners for their efforts to promote freedoms that are cherished by Canadians.” 

MP: Falun Gong Practitioners Contribute to the Wellness of Canadians

Letter from MP Marie-France Lalonde of Orléans

MP Marie-France Lalonde stated in her letter, “Falun Gong and the practitioners of Falun Dafa here in Canada are a strong component of our vibrant cultural tapestry. Their contributions to our society have been particularly pronounced through this pandemic, particularly through the Falun Dafa Association’s free online meditation sessions, contributing to the wellness of Canadians as we collectively endure hardship. 

“Through sharing their experiences, the community also remains a constant reminder of the importance of human rights, freedom of conscience, and of the values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance and its benefits to Canadians.” 

Letter from MP Scott Reid

MP Scott Reid stated in his letter, “It is my honor to be able to send best wishes to every practitioner of Falun Dafa on this year’s Falun Dafa Day, in their pursuit of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance, in the face of on-going persecution, and in a world which has so much to learn from the values that you represent.” 

Member of Provincial Parliament: Thank You for Your Continued Emphasis on Respect and Compassion

Letter from Stephen Blais, Member of Provincial Parliament

Stephen Blais, Member of Provincial Parliament from Ottawa, stated in his letter, “The riding of Orleans celebrates another year with you of sharing peace, understanding and spiritual enlightenment. Certainly in these challenging times we reflect on these values of the utmost importance.” 

Ottawa City Councilor Sends Greeting Letter 

Letter from Matthew Luloff, Ottawa City Councilor

Matthew Luloff, Ottawa City Councilor, stated in his letter, “I believe wholeheartedly in freedoms of belief, expression, thought and peaceful demonstration. Truth, compassion, tolerance and the elevation of one’s own moral character are laudable and desirable values---values that are sorely in need of resurgence in today’s society. If we are to better the world, we must first better ourselves.” 

Background: What is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance as well as five gentle exercises—and experienced uplifted health and well-being.

Jiang Zemin, former head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), perceived the spiritual discipline's growing popularity as a threat to the CCP's atheistic ideology and on July 20, 1999, issued an order to ban the practice.

Minghui.org has confirmed the deaths of thousands of practitioners as a result of the persecution over the past 22 years. The actual number is believed to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith.

There is concrete evidence that the CCP sanctions the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are murdered to supply the organ transplant industry.

Under Jiang's personal direction, the CCP established the 610 Office, an extralegal security organization with the power to override the police and judicial systems and whose sole function is to carry out the persecution of Falun Dafa.