(Minghui.org) Accompanied by the Tian Guo Marching Band playing “Falun Dafa Is Good,” the Mayor of Barrie Alex Nuttall read a proclamation for Falun Dafa in front of City Hall on April 29, 2024. He also raised a flag to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and called out “Falun Dafa is good!” with representatives of other elected officials during the event. Federal and provincial parliament members also issued proclamations.
Located north of Toronto and adjacent to Lake Simcoe, Barrie is the first Canadian city this year to hold a flag raising ceremony to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. The Ontario Grid Control Center, the electricity supplier Hydro One, a Data Center for the Bank of Montreal, and a Coca-Cola Bottling Plant are all located in Barrie.
May 13 this year marks the 25th World Falun Dafa Day and the 32nd anniversary since Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in 1992. Proclamations were recently issued at all levels of Canadian government to celebrate this special occasion. To date, flag-raising and lighting ceremonies have been planned in over 10 Canadian cities for this celebration.
A flag was raised in Barrie, Canada, on April 29 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.
Falun Dafa practitioners attended the flag-raising ceremony in front of Barrie City Hall.
The Tian Guo Marching Band from Toronto played “Falun Dafa Is Good.”
Mayor: We Need the Principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance More Than Ever
Alex Nuttall, the mayor of Barrie, spoke at the ceremony.
Alex Nuttall, the mayor of Barrie, presided over the flag-raising ceremony in front of City Hall at 1 p.m. and gave a speech. He said he believes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are very important for our society and are more precious than ever, and that if more people recognize them, it will benefit our society in the long run.
He also emphasized that, although Falun Dafa is freely practiced in public around the world, the practice is severely persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He called for help to support basic human rights and end the suppression by the CCP.
Proclamation and Flag-raising Ceremony
Video: Flag-raising ceremony in Barrie, Canada, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day
Mayor Nuttall and other elected officials called out “Falun Dafa is good.”
A flag was raised by Mayor Nuttall for World Falun Dafa Day.
Mayor Nuttall also read a proclamation for the event. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient practice system based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance that improves both mind and body. The mayor thanked Falun Dafa for bringing traditional Chinese culture and values to more than 100 million people of all professions and backgrounds in Canada and over 100 other countries.
As the 32nd World Falun Dafa Day nears, the positive behavior of Falun Dafa practitioners has impressed people around the world and so, in celebration with other communities in Canada, Mayor Nuttall proclaimed May 13, 2024, as World Falun Dafa Day.
MP: Sincere Appreciation and Recognition
John Brassard, a Member of Parliament representing Barrie-Innisfil, is also the chair of Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee. He has issued proclamations every year and attended the flag-raising ceremony in Barrie last year. This time, he also issued a proclamation with video greetings for the 32nd World Falun Dafa Day.
In his video message, Brassard congratulated practitioners on their successes and thanked them for their contributions to Canada. Despite the hardships they’ve encountered, Falun Dafa practitioners have persevered in their belief. The peaceful practice has now been accepted by more and more people, and practitioners are able to share their stories freely.
A proclamation from John Brassard, a Member of Parliament representing Barrie-Innisfil
Sarah-Jane Taylor presents the proclamation on behalf of John Brassard MP.
In his proclamation, Brassard wrote, “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Falun Dafa Community as we recognize your dedication and commitment to Human Rights and the values of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.’”
MP: Light and Hope
Proclamation from Doug Shipley MP
Kelly Condron-Penman presented the proclamation on behalf of Doug Shipley MP.
Doug Shipley is the federal Member of Parliament for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. “In commemoration of Falun Dafa Day, we raise a flag today to acknowledge and celebrate the values of truthfulness compassion, and forbearance,” he wrote in the proclamation. “Thank you to the Falun Dafa community for spreading light and hope.”
Attorney General of Ontario: Life Changing Possibilities
Proclamation from Doug Downey MPP, Attorney General of Ontario
Christine presents the proclamation on behalf of Doug Downey MPP.
“As your Member of Provincial Parliament, it is a privilege to recognize this important day of spiritual practice,” wrote Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario and Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament. “It is imperative that we acknowledge the principles, morality and philosophy centered around truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.”
“Thank you to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for your continued commitment to offer life changing possibilities through disciplined practice and meditation,” the proclamation continued.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: Improving Mind and Body
Proclamation from Andrea Khanjin MPP, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Larna presents the proclamation on behalf of Andrea Khanjin MPP.
“Spiritual meditation helps many improve mental, moral, and physical well-being, contributing to a healthier and more harmonious society,” wrote Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie-Innisfil. “As the fight for freedom and integrity against China’s communist regime continues, I thank you for promoting personal well-being and working towards peace and harmony in our community.”
Consideration for Others
Jason Loftus is a practitioner from Barrie.
Jason Loftus, a practitioner born in Barrie, was happy to host the event. As a high school student, he was interested in Asian philosophy and cultivation. He felt fortunate to meet Falun Dafa practitioners in a park and was impressed by how kind and peaceful they were.
The practice of Falun Dafa also gave him peace of mind, he said. The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance taught him to not only improve himself but to be considerate of others, which is why he likes Falun Dafa so much.
Event Organizer: Looking Forward to Flag-raising Ceremony in China
Zhang Pixing, a practitioner who organized the event, thanked everyone for participating, especially the officials for their support. Having benefited personally from Falun Dafa, he believes such an event is very meaningful for the community.
While celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Canada, Zhang is also concerned about the persecution in China. He hopes the suppression ends soon so that Chinese practitioners may one day hold flag-raising ceremonies there.
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