Canada: Elected Officials in Ontario Honor the 29th Anniversary of Falun Dafa’s Public Introduction (2)

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021 is the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day. Elected officials in Canada sent letters or videos to mark the occasion and honor Falun Dafa.

The following are letters and videos from mayors and city councilors in the Province of Ontario. 

Fifteen elected officials in the Province of Ontario sent letters or videos to acknowledge Falun Dafa Day. From left to right in the first row: Mayor Gordon Krantz of the City of Milton, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua of the City of Vaughan, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of the City of Burlington, Mayor Mike Bradley of the City of Sarnia, and Mayor Jeff Lehman of the City of Barrie.From left to right in the second row: Mayor Gary McNamara of the City of Tecumseh, Mayor Ed Holder of the City of London, Mayor Bobbie Drew of Scugog, and City Councilor Lisa Osanic of Kingston.From left to right in the third row: Councilor Judi Partridge of Hamilton, Councilor Maria Pearson of Hamilton, Councilor Sam Merulla of Hamilton, Councilor Natalie Harris of Barrie, and Councilor Tom Adams of Oakville.

Town of Milton Issues Proclamation for Eight Consecutive Years 

Mayor Gordon Krantz proclaimed “May 13, 2021 as Falun Dafa Day/ Falun Gong in the Town of Milton and encourage support of this campaign.” 

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa/Gong has received worldwide recognition, including thousands of awards and proclamations for promoting harmony in society through its traditional Chinese self-improvement system that guides people to mental, moral and physical well being.”

Proclamation from Mayor Gordon Krantz of Milton

Falun Gong Promotes Harmony, Tolerance and Compassion

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua of Vaughan sent a greeting letter to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, “As we recognize this year’s celebration virtually, we are reminded that we must continue to be anchored to faith, hope and optimism. We remain focused on our recovery and the path forward. By working together and supporting one another, I am confident we will emerge stronger. 

“I want to take this opportunity to recognize the Association’s efforts to promote harmony, tolerance and compassion in Vaughan and beyond. Their contribution helps communities stay connected through improved access to programs and services focused on spiritual, mental and physical well-being and a healthier, more peaceful society.” 

Letter from Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua of Vaughan

Appreciating Falun Dafa Association’s Free Online Teaching

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington sent a greeting letter, “Falun Dafa practitioners have undoubtedly helped Canadians during these difficult times by offering free meditation exercise instruction in communities and online classes. This is more valued than ever in these challenging times as we know the connection between mind and body is key for a healthy immune system and to combat illness and stress.

“Your pledge to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance that promote harmony and lead to spiritual enlightenment is an inspiration to people of all nations.”

Letter from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington 

Mayor Mike Bradley of Sarnia sent a greeting letter, “You are commended for the commitment you have to your faith.” 

Letter from Mayor Mike Bradley of Sarnia

Mayor Jeff Lehman of Barrie sent a greeting letter, “May your commitment and dedication to Falun Dafa allow you to flourish with a high level of mental, physical and spiritual health.” 

Letter from Mayor Jeff Lehman of Barrie

Mayor Gary McNamara of Tecumseh sent a greeting letter, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance are the founding principles of Falun Dafa. As we continue to navigate the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, we are reminded of the importance of these values are and we should all try to incorporate them into our lives.” 

Letter from Mayor Gary McNamara of Tecumseh

Mayor Ed Holder of London stated in his greeting letter, “With sincere appreciation and congratulations, I applaud you for your commitment to preserving the rich culture of the Falun Dafa community in Canada. Diversity is our greatest strength – your community initiatives and cultural outreach have made a tremendously positive impact in and on our community. This celebration enriches London’s multiculturism and encompasses our commitment to freedom, respect, and equality.

“I would like to thank you for your industrious work and your continuing efforts of finding ways during this pandemic to help improve people’s spiritual, mental, and physical well-being through meditative exercises and moral teachings, thus promoting harmony and health in society. We’re all in this together and we will get through this together.”

Letter from Mayor Ed Holder of London

Mayor Bernadette Clement of Cornwall issued a proclamation for Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2021. 

The proclamation reads, “Whereas the physical and spiritual benefits of Falun Dafa is embraced by people from over 100 countries; and

“Whereas the great compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the hearts of kind-hearted people all over the world.”

Proclamation from Mayor Bernadette Clement of Cornwall

Mayor Bobbie Drew of Scugog sent a greeting letter on behalf of the Township of Scugog's Council to extend congratulations to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada. The letter reads, “I am pleased to offer this greeting to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada and recognize Falun Dafa Day this May 13, 2021.”

Letter from Mayor Bobbie Drew of Scugog

City Councilor Registers for a Falun Dafa Online Class 

City Councilor Lisa Osanic of Kingston sent a greeting letter, “The compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of many people across the globe. The principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance are so important at this time.

“With so many of us feeling uncertain, isolated, and lonely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thank you for providing Falun Dafa classes online to help our mental, moral, and physical wellbeing.”

She also mentioned she registered for a Falun Dafa online class on May 1. 

Letter from Councilor Lisa Osanic of Kingston 

Councilor Thanks Practitioners for Their Continued Commitment to Peaceful Living

City Councilor Judi Partridge of Hamilton sent a greeting letter, “I am pleased to support your honourable values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance in promotion of positivity and good health across Canada. 

“While celebrating 29 years of sharing your beautiful practices with the world will look different this year, I look forward to seeing the benefits of Falun Dafa on our communities into the future. Thank you for your continued commitment to peaceful living for all.” 

Letter from City Councilor Judi Partridge of Hamilton

City Councilor Maria Pearson of Hamilton sent a greeting letter to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for the celebration. The letter reads, “This international practice, which helps tens of millions people world-wide, has shown real benefit since the ancient times. 

“I am sending my greetings to acknowledge Canada’s commitment to human rights, freedom of conscience, and to the values it stands for, affecting people positively around the Globe. I stand in support of the campaign against hatred, torture, mass imprisonment, and forced thoughts conversation. I send my sincerest wishes to the Community and to all members of this traditional Chinese practice.”

Letter from City Councilor Maria Pearson of Hamilton

City Councilor Sam Merulla of Hamilton sent a greeting letter. The letter reads, “The connection between mind and body is key for a healthy immune system and combating illness and stress. Your commitment in helping people improve their mental, moral and physical wellbeing, is truly commendable, especially during these challenging times.” 

Letter from City Councilor Sam Merulla of Hamilton

City Councilor Natalie Harris of Barrie sent a greeting letter in recognition of Falun Dafa Day to help affirm “Canada’s commitment to human rights, freedom of conscience, and to the values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance and its benefits to Canadians.”

Letter from City Councilor Natalie Harris of Barrie

City Councilor Tom Adams of Oakville also sent a greeting letter for the annual celebration of Falun Dafa Day. The letter reads, “I encourage the continued efforts to promote peace and harmony in the world and thank you for your positive contributions to society.” 

Letter from City Councilor Tom Adams of Oakville