October 15, 2001

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien,
Prime Minister
Government of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 9A6

Dear Prime Minister Chretien,

On behalf of the over 600 members of C.U.P.E. Local 3338, I am writing to join our voice with many other Union members in Canada in expressing our solidarity with the practitioners of Falun Gong in China.

The practitioners of FalunáGong are committed to the principles of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance, which they seek to peacefully cultivate through lifestyle, meditation and exercise. Yet over 130 Falun gong practitioners have been incarcerated without trial in Masanjia Labour Camp of Shengyang, China, and many others have suffered persecution and torture.

We urge you to use your good office by addressing the following issues during your trip to China this month:

ááá * the release of Shenli Lin, husband of a Canadian citizen
ááá * the release of the 130 Falun gong practitioners in Masanjia Labour Camp
ááá * the cessation of persecution, torture and unjust arrest of Falun Gong practitioners
ááá * the freedom of religious statement in China.

We know that in the past Canada has participated in human rights dialogue witháChina, and we hope that Canada will continue to foster this dialogue whether in the area of worker's rights or religious freedom.

We look forward to hearing from you on this issue

In solidarity,

(signed)

Joann Field
vice President
C.U.P.E. Local 3338