Ottawa, Canada: Mayor Proclaims Falun Dafa Day, Member of Parliament Sends Letter of Support
(Minghui.org) May 13 is the 23rd World Falun Dafa Day and the 30th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the world. Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa proclaimed May 13 “Falun Dafa Day,” the 11th time he has done so. Member of Parliament (MP) Pierre Poilievre sent a letter to express his support.
Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa proclaims Falun Dafa Day
The proclamation states, in part, “Falun Dafa practitioners in Ottawa and worldwide are joyously celebrating the 30th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public during May 2022; and
“transcending the racial and cultural boundaries, Falun Dafa embraces people of all ages, from all walks of life and religious affiliations.”
MP Pierre Poilievre Sends Greeting Letter
Pierre Poilievre, Shadow Minister for Finance, a member of Parliament (MP) for Carleton, and a candidate for Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader, sent a letter to extend his warmest greetings to the Falun Dafa community and supporters.
Letter from MP Pierre Poilievre
MP Pierre Poilievre wrote, “The universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, which are at the heart of Falun Dafa, are also ideals for Canada.
“I appreciate your contribution to bring these values to life in Canada for a more healthy, peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate society.
“In Particular, I like to commend the Falun Dafa community’s efforts to help Canadians improve their health and manage their stress, during the pandemic, by holding free online meditation workshops that have been attended by thousands across the country.
“I am in solidarity with you in your efforts to protect your freedom facing the brutal atrocities by the Chinese Communist regime in persecution of your faith.”
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 who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five gentle exercises have 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.