(Minghui.org) Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced Falun Dafa to the public in Changchun, China, 21 years ago, on May 13, 1992. Falun Dafa has since been embraced by people in more than 100 countries and regions. On May 13 each year, Falun Dafa practitioners around the world celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and respectfully wish their magnificent and venerable Master a happy birthday.
Falun Gong practitioners in Toronto, Canada gathered on May 13, 2013 at Nathan Phillips Square, outside of City Hall. They did the exercises in a group and gave dance and musical performances to show their profound appreciation for the wonderfulness of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. Practitioners also expressed their gratitude to Falun Gong for the tremendous positive changes they've experienced through the practice, both physically and mentally.
Canadian federal ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Ontario's Provincial Parliament, Toronto City Councilors, and other dignitaries attended the celebration and made speeches. They praised Falun Gong practitioners for their efforts in working to end the persecution taking place in China, and their contribution to Canadian communities. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Joe Oliver, said that Canada has benefited from the teachings of Mr. Li Hongzhi. MPs called for continued efforts to end the forced live organ harvesting of persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China. At the end of the event, these dignitaries and leaders shouted in unison, “Falun Dafa is great!”
On May 13, Falun Gong practitioners and Toronto citizens celebrate the 21st anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public outside City Hall
Practicing the Falun Gong exercises as a group
Children's chorus sings “Falun Dafa Is Good”
Violin ensemble: “Master's Smile Is My Only Wish”
Dance: “Little Warriors”
Young practitioners give a dance performance
Canadian Minister: Canada Benefits from Mr. Li Hongzhi's Teachings
Joe Oliver, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources
Mr. Joe Oliver, Canada's Natural Resources Minister, on behalf of the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, attended the celebration to congratulate Falun Gong practitioners, and also to bring greetings to all those in attendance. He said, “I'm very pleased to join you again in celebration this time at the 21st anniversary of Falun Dafa, with its profound principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.
“Its goals encompass spiritual enlightenment and health for both body and mind. Since its introduction to the public in 1992, Falun Dafa has grown rapidly. Now millions of people celebrate your heritage and strengthen your core principles in communities right across the globe,” Mr. Oliver said.
“I'm proud, and Canada welcomes you!” Mr. Oliver continued, “You enrich our country with your customs, your traditions, and your learning. Canada benefits from the teachings of Mr. Li Hongzhi, and also benefits from your unwavering devotion to this country.”
Mr. Oliver concluded, “Thank you for your courage and determination for sharing your values and for contributing to our great country.”
MP: Continue to Make Efforts to End the Forced Organ Harvesting in China
MP Judy Sgro
MP Judy Sgro, a member of the Liberty Party of Canada, and the former Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, on behalf of Justin Trudeau, Canadian Liberal leader and Cabinet, also commemorated Falun Dafa Day. She said, “Falun Dafa practitioners in Canada have the right and ability to practice their faith and rituals in peace and security. Unfortunately, as we all know, this is not the case elsewhere.
“Sadly, too many non-violent, devoted practitioners live in darkness and under constant threat of the persecution. As Canadians, we all must do our part to bring about the change that is needed to rectify this terrible wrong.”
MP Sgro called for continued efforts against forced organ harvesting that is happening in China, “We will continue that fight until that is stopped and you no longer have to worry about innocent people being subjected to that.”
Former Senator Consiglio Di Nino
Senator Consiglio Di Nino, who recently retired from the Senate after more than 22 years of service, is one of the founders of Friends of Falun Gong in the Canadian Parliament. He said that he has continued participating in the Falun Gong activities year after year after year because “it is absolutely unacceptable, particularly in the 21st century, to have a country that denies fundamental rights and freedoms to its citizens. It is absolutely wrong,” he said.
“As long as those injustices continue to exist, our people and myself will continue to support you,” Senator Di Nino said. “These are Chinese people who ask for one thing—to be able to practice their spiritual practice, which is about peace, which is about compassion, which is about truth and tolerance. This is the minimum the Chinese [regime] should do to its citizens.
“I have to congratulate each and every one of you, and millions of Falun Dafa supporters around the world for your perseverance. As long as you don't give up, I can assure you I'll be there for you to support you.”
Councilor: “Stay with Your Principles and Continue to Do What You Do”
John Parker, Toronto City Councilor
Toronto Councilor John Parker expressed his personal appreciation for Falun Gong practitioners' belief and principles, and the strength and conviction that they represent.
Mr. Parker said, “Thank you all so much, stay with your principles, and continue to do what you do. I'll continue to welcome you here each time you come.”
MP Brad Butt
MP Brad Butt said, “We very much appreciate and support what you're doing, the importance you have been practicing, your faith and your belief, that is what Canada is all about, a country that embraces the people of all backgrounds, all faith and all beliefs. You can worship in peace and tolerance, and compassion, in Canada.
“We all recognize the peaceful and compassionate means with which the practitioners practice their faith and work in their community. I really want that kind of peace and understanding to be spread throughout the world. That's the kind of thing that Canada stands up for and the kind of thing that we feel strongly advocating around the world.” MP Butt said.
Ontario MPP Jane McKenna
Ontario MPP Jane McKenna, on behalf of Tim Hudak, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, said, “We are thrilled to be back again this year. I'd like to extend our warmest greetings to everyone.”
MPP McKenna said that this traditional exercise based on ancient Chinese values composed of the principles of Truthfulness, Benevolence and Tolerance, is everything that the Ontario PC Party believes in. This peaceful discipline shares many common values with Conservatives across the province.
“We wish you continued success and share your principles of Falun Dafa.” MPP McKenna said.
Jonathan Telch, candidate for a Master's degree in Human Rights and International Law
Jonathan Telch, who came to participate in the celebrations, is a candidate for a Master's degree in Human Rights and International Law. He once worked for a member of parliament. When he learned of the torture and forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners happening in forced labor camps in China, he said,"This is terrible, incredible." Mr. Telch said, "I have done some research and found that these are real."
Later, Mr. Telch chose Canada's policy on persecuted groups as the topic for his Master's thesis, and interviewed a number of Falun Gong practitioners. He said that Falun Gong practitioners are peaceful petitioners. Among the people who are fighting for rights, their performance is very special. As for the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Mr. Telch said, "As a Canadian and human rights advocate, I very much support these principles."
New Practitioners Express Gratitude
Ms. Li Hua recovered her health after practicing Falun Gong
Ms. Li Hua is Chinese-Canadian, and worked in China for many years. She didn't get to know Falun Gong in depth until she retired and returned to Canada. Ms. Li has practiced Falun Gong for more than a year.
She said that she had asthma when she was young, and the condition worsened year after year, particularly during the few years before she returned to Canada. When she was in serious condition, she had to have an IV, take oxygen and get hormone injections. In the first few days after she returned to Canada, she stayed at her friend's home, and had to hold onto the handrails while going up and down stairs. “Since practicing Falun Gong, I'm well, I'm energetic and can walk effortlessly.” She said.
Ms. Li said she wanted to let more people know that Falun Gong is a good practice.
Jimmy Pizolinas, who loves Chinese culture, is glad he has an opportunity to learn Falun Gong
Jimmy Pizolinas is a computer technician. He began to learn Falun Gong when he purchased a ticket for a Shen Yun performance from the Tianti Bookstore in Toronto in 2011.
He said excitedly that when he does the exercises, he feels the emergence of heat in his body. “This is the energy that Master refers to. That feeling is amazing,” he said.
