Canadian Elected Officials Commemorate 34th World Falun Dafa Day

Lawmakers across Canada have issued proclamation and congratulatory letters to recognize World Falun Dafa Day, which is observed annually on May 13, as practitioners of the spiritual practice hold celebratory events across the country.

World Falun Dafa Day marks the day Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was first introduced to the public in China 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. This year is the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction.

Conservative MP Andrew Scheer sent his congratulations in a letter to Falun Dafa practitioners, saying for more than three decades, the Falun Dafa community has stayed true to its values.

“Even in hard times, you have chosen peace over anger,” Scheer wrote. “You have chosen compassion over hate. This is a beautiful example for us all.”

Falun Dafa is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline centred on self-improvement that consists of five meditative exercises as well as moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The practice quickly grew in popularity in China in the 1990s, with government statistics indicating between 70 and 100 million people had taken up the practice.

Although the discipline is currently practised in more than 100 countries around the world, it is banned in communist China. Seeing Falun Dafa’s growing popularity as a threat to its power, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a violent persecution campaign against the spiritual discipline in 1999, vowing to eliminate it. The persecution in China continues to today, with reports of torture, forced labour, indoctrination, surveillance, killings, and even live organ harvesting.

In a letter, Liberal MP Corey Hogan acknowledged practitioners’ strength and resilience in the face of decades of persecution, and wished them a happy Falun Dafa Day.

“Over the years, Falun Dafa practitioners across Canada have generously shared their practice through free meditation instruction, cultural events, and community outreach,” Hogan wrote in a letter. “These efforts have enriched the lives of many and contributed to building healthier, more harmonious communities.”

Hogan also said Falun Dafa Day is a time for reflection, noting it is “deeply concerning” that practitioners in China continue to face persecution for their faith.

“May your celebrations highlight the positive impact of Falun Dafa and continue to promote understanding, respect, and goodwill among all,” he said.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent her greetings to Falun Dafa practitioners as they commemorate Falun Dafa Day, saying Alberta is “always at its best” when members of diverse communities have the opportunity to share their cultures and traditions.

“Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate together – strengthening your community and paying tribute to your history and core values of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance,” Smith said.

Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed the entire month of May as Falun Dafa Month to recognize the community and its “contributions to the cultural diversity” of Ottawa.

Mayor of Calgary Jeromy Farkas also extended his best wishes to Falun Dafa practitioners and their families on Falun Dafa Day, noting practitioners in Calgary have “shared free meditation classes with neighbours, contributed to the cultural life of our city, and demonstrated the kind of quiet, sustained service that makes a community stronger.”

“It is the everyday right of every Calgarian to live by their conscience, gather peacefully with others who share their convictions, and contribute openly to the life of our city,” Farkas said. “Calgary stands firmly with you in defence of those freedoms, and against intimidation and harassment of any community on Canadian soil.”

Ontario Energy Minister and MPP Stephen Lecce expressed his appreciation for Falun Dafa practitioners, saying the discipline has “touched the lives of more than 100 million people in over 110 countries.”

“The 34th Anniversary of Falun Dafa also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to core values of democracy, religious freedom, and human rights,” Lecce said.

Ontario Long-Term Care Minister and Conservative MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta said she is pleased to recognize Falun Dafa Day and the contributions of the Falun Dafa community across Ontario.

“The practice’s emphasis on personal integrity, mindfulness, and respect for others reflects values that resonate deeply within our diverse and inclusive society here in Canada,” she wrote in a congratulatory letter.

‘Remarkable Resilience’

Conservative MP and Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman commended Falun Dafa for enriching the lives of many Canadians with its spiritual teachings, saying World Falun Dafa Day stands as a celebration of the “excellence, courage, and enduring spirit” of the Falun Dafa community.

“By preserving ancient Chinese principles of spiritual discipline that might otherwise be lost, Falun Dafa has also become a powerful symbol of cultural revival amid government persecution,” she wrote in a congratulatory letter.

“Your lasting effort to promote resilience, free expression, and personal transformation is greatly valued.”

Conservative MP Michael Cooper also extended his best wishes on the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction, saying the spiritual tradition brings “peace of mind” to millions around the world.

Cooper noted in a letter that Falun Dafa adherents have been subject to “gross human rights abuses” perpetuated by the CCP for more than 27 years, but that practitioners have demonstrated “remarkable resilience” by continuing to uphold their faith.

“I proudly stand with the Falun Dafa. I am confident that the goodness of Falun Dafa will prevail over the forces of oppression and persecution,” Cooper said.

Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif commended Falun Dafa practitioners for their perseverance in the face of persecution, noting that fear and mistrust from those who don’t share the same beliefs leads to persecution.

“That persecution does not deter the adherents of Falun Dafa. They offer their opponents what they offer to everyone: truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. That impresses me,” Aboultaif wrote in a congratulatory letter.

‘Significant Milestone’

Conservative MP Rachael Thomas extended her congratulations to Falun Dafa practitioners, recognizing their commitment to values that she said resonate deeply within Canadian society and contribute to the well-being of many around the world.

“The month of May serves as an important occasion to honour these teachings and to celebrate the freedom of expression and belief that we hold dear in Canada,” Thomas wrote in a letter.

She added that she continues to stand firmly in the belief that “every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, free from persecution or targeting based on their faith,” noting that the ongoing human rights violations against Falun Dafa practitioners are “unacceptable.”

Conservative MP Dane Lloyd extended his best wishes to practitioners as they celebrate Falun Dafa Day, which he said is an opportunity to recognize and remember the importance of rights and freedoms in Canada.

“I am proud that in Canada the Falun Dafa community can freely practice their beliefs and celebrate the positive values of their spiritual tradition—truthfulness, compassion and tolerance,” he wrote.

Such values are “vital to any free, diverse, and democratic society,” he said. “The Falun Dafa community is another potent reminder that we cannot take our freedoms for granted.”

Conservative MP Kyle Seeback said Falun Dafa’s 34th anniversary is a “significant milestone,” noting practitioners have made “important contributions” to Canadian society by sharing the spiritual discipline’s teachings over the last 34 years.

Threats, Intimidation by CCP

Conservative MP Dan Muys wished practitioners in Canada and around the world a happy Falun Dafa Day in a congratulatory video, while noting practitioners have faced transnational repression from the CCP on Canadian soil.

“Recent events like the bomb threat for the Shen Yun performance in Toronto remind us of the threats and intimidation that are taking place at the hands of the Beijing communist regime,” Muys said.

Canada must stand up to such acts of coercion and speak out against them, Muys added. “We must stand together, and say, united, that we will not tolerate that here in Canada.”

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts is a classical Chinese dance and music company that aims to revive traditional Chinese culture, and many of its performers practice Falun Dafa. The company says the classical culture of China has nearly been destroyed under decades of communist rule.

Shen Yun has faced ongoing interference attempts by the CCP, including hoax bomb threats and other tactics to pressure venues to cancel the shows. This year, the last six of Shen Yun’s eight scheduled performances in Toronto were cancelled in late March and early April after the hosting venue received bomb threats from an email account bearing a Chinese name.

The theatre, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, went ahead with the cancellations despite Toronto police confirming the threats were not credible. However, the Four Seasons Centre later agreed to reschedule the Toronto shows in late June after a persistent effort by Shen Yun’s local presenter to bring the performances back.

Conservative MP Connie Cody said the persecution of Falun Dafa continues around the world, including in Canada, which she called not only a threat to the country’s national sovereignty, but also “an affront to basic human dignity.”

“However, despite these attacks, which have taken place as long as Falun Dafa has existed, your community perseveres. Your commitment and faith are truly inspiring, and they are the reason Falun Dafa continues to this day,” Cody said in a letter.

‘Extraordinary Courage’

Conservative MP Blaine Calkins thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their continued efforts to preserve and share the “richness” of traditional Chinese culture in his province of Alberta.

“I also recognize the Falun Gong community for its enduring commitment to truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, and for its meaningful contributions within our communities through their volunteerism and outreach,” Calkins said in a greetings letter.

Calkins said the Conservative Party will stand with the practitioners against persecution and intimidation from the Chinese regime “wherever it occurs.”

Conservative MP Tom Kmiec said the spiritual discipline has given millions a “path to reflection, inner peace, and moral clarity” for more than three decades.

“Those who fled and those who remain under persecution show extraordinary courage against the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign of repression,” Kmiec said in a letter to Falun Dafa practitioners.

“I firmly condemn the ongoing foreign interference and systematic silencing by the Chinese Communist Party. My thoughts are with all who have been affected by the regime and all who have sacrificed their lives and freedoms in defense of their beliefs.”

Conservative MP Arnold Viersen commended Falun Dafa practitioners for their strength and resilience, as well as the values of compassion and tolerance that they uphold.

“Reports of ongoing persecution, including deeply troubling allegations of forced organ harvesting in China, remain a serious concern to many Canadians and to the international community,” Viersen wrote in a letter.

He noted that Canada must defend freedom of religion and fundamental human rights, which he said are “not negotiable” and must be upheld whenever they are threatened.

‘Unwavering Commitment’

Conservative MP Greg McLean sent his congratulations to the Falun Dafa community on the spiritual discipline’s 34th anniversary, saying the discipline strengthens Canada’s communities and enriches its “multicultural fabric.”

“Your unwavering commitment to preserving Chinese culture, advocating for human rights, and standing firm in the face of adversity is truly admirable,” McLean wrote.

“May your ongoing efforts inspire others to embrace compassion, uphold justice, and work together toward a brighter, more harmonious future.”

Conservative MP Pat Kelly commended Falun Dafa practitioners for their perseverance in standing against the CCP’s ongoing persecution with “non-violence and persistence in upholding human rights and freedom of conscience.”

“I hope that the year ahead will bring hope and reprieve to members of Falun Dafa and all those persecuted in China,” Kelly said.

Conservative MP Ted Falk said World Falun Dafa Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual discipline’s core principles, which he noted encourage integrity, kindness, and patience in the face of life’s challenges.

Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin said the values practitioners abide by have “helped shape communities” across Canada through meditation, volunteer work, and community building.

“Canada is a richer place because you are here. Happy Falun Dafa Day,” Guglielmin said in a video to practitioners.

Proclamations

Several municipalities have officially proclaimed May 13 as Falun Dafa Day in recognition of the practice. This includes the City of Nanaimo, B.C., the Township of Chapple, Ont., and New Tecumseth, Ont.

In addition, Mayor of North Bay Peter Chirico officially proclaimed the entire month of May to be observed as Falun Dafa Month, saying the “great compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the hearts of kind-hearted people all over the world.”

Provincial and municipal lawmakers in several provinces also sent their greetings to Falun Dafa practitioners, congratulating them on the spiritual discipline’s 34th anniversary.

Alberta

Alberta MLA Shane Getson congratulated Falun Dafa practitioners on behalf of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly, saying Falun Dafa Day provides a “meaningful opportunity” to recognize the principles the practitioners uphold and “generously share with the world.”

“Your continued dedication to peace, spiritual growth, and cultural harmony contributes positively to our society and inspires appreciation and respect,” Getson wrote.

Calgary City Councillor Dan McLean sent his congratulations in a letter to the practitioners, commending their “endeavour to promote peace and harmony through spiritual and physical wellbeing.”

Fellow Calgary City Councillor Jennifer Wyness expressed appreciation for the contributions Falun Dafa practitioners have made in her city, such as volunteer-led meditation activities offered freely to residents, which she said “support physical health, mental well-being, social harmony, and help strengthen community connections” across Calgary.

The mayors of Airdrie, Devon, and Coaldale also extended their best wishes for Falun Dafa practitioners as they celebrate the 34th World Falun Dafa Day, and noted the contributions practitioners have made in their communities.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, Conservative MLA Bryan Tepper presented a certificate of appreciation to the Falun Dafa community, saying the celebration of Falun Dafa Day highlights the “importance of community, cultural diversity, and the values of compassion, respect, and perseverance.”

B.C. Conservative MLA Mandeep Dhaliwal, in a congratulatory letter, said Falun Dafa practitioners have had a positive impact on many individuals and families in British Columbia and across Canada. He commended the “strength and resilience” of the practitioners, including those who have fled communist China to seek safety and the freedom to follow their faith.

Fellow Conservative MLA Brent Chapman said the practice of Falun Dafa emphasizes “morality and cultivation of virtue, with many members reporting a profound spiritual transformation.”

The mayors of Port Coquitlam, West Vancouver, and White Rock, B.C., also sent congratulatory letters, recognizing the contributions Falun Dafa practitioners have made in their communities.

Ontario

In Ontario, MPP Progressive Conservative Brian Riddell, in a congratulatory letter, noted that Falun Dafa’s teachings “highlight values that bring people together” and help Canadians live together in mutual respect and harmony.

“Thank you for your continued commitment to promoting these shared values, especially at a time when they are being tested around the world,” Riddell wrote.

Ontario NDP MPP France Gélinas also extended greetings to practitioners celebrating the 34th annual Falun Dafa Day and the principles the spiritual discipline promotes.

“As the health critic for my party, the NDP, I know the benefits of feeling part of a community. Thank you Falun Dafa for bringing together people in my community. Thank you for your work in promoting exercises and meditation to my constituents,” she wrote in a letter.

Mississauga City Councillor Brad Butt, in a video to Falun Dafa practitioners, thanked the practitioners for “working to create a healthier and more harmonious community through the spiritual discipline of Falun Dafa and promoting the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, which unite us all.”

Several mayors in Ontario also sent congratulatory letters to Falun Dafa practitioners in commemoration of World Falun Dafa Day. This includes the mayors of Greater Sudbury, London, Mississippi Mills, Sarnia, the Township of Springwater, the Township of Essa, LaSalle, and Tecumseh.

Mississauga Deputy Mayor and Councillor John Kovac said Falun Dafa Day recognizes the “many contributions of the Falun Dafa community” and celebrates the values practitioners hold.

“I would also like to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of Falun Dafa practitioners, including those who have found safety and opportunity here in Canada,” Kovac said, adding that Falun Dafa practitioners continue to make “positive contributions that help strengthen and enrich our broader community.”

In addition, Mayor of Whitby, Ont., Elizabeth Roy sent a video to Falun Dafa practitioners, commending them on their contributions to her local community and their resilience in the face of ongoing human rights abuses in China.

The mayors of Fredericton, N.B., and Winnipeg, Man., also sent congratulatory letters to the practitioners in their communities and across Canada.