Canada: Elected Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 is the 26^th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33^rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Elected officials at all three levels of government issued proclamations, video remarks, or letters to mark the occasion and to commend Falun Dafa practitioners for their contribution to the local community by following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

From left to right in the top row: James Bezan, Senior Conservative MP (Member of Parliament), Sam Oosterhoff, Ontario MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) of Niagara West, Janice Lukes, Acting Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg, Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Sudbury, and Ron R. Schuler, MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Springfield-Ritchot, Manitoba.

From left to right in the bottom row: Andrew LeBlanc, Mayor of Riverview, New Brunswick, David L. Corkum, Mayor of County of Kings, Nova Scotia; Brad Bradford, City Councilor of Ward 19, Toronto; James Pasternak, City Councilor of Ward 6, Toronto; Brad Butt, City Councilor of Ward 11, Mississauga

Letter from James Bezan MP

James Bezan MP stated in his letter, “I wish all those who practice the spiritual tradition of Falun Dafa a joyous 33rd anniversary and celebration of Falun Dafa Day. Falun Dafa practitioners peacefully exercise a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. These are values that we all aspire to achieve in Canada. Though we come from many different and diverse backgrounds, we unite as Canadians in our commitment towards upholding these values.

“Despite torturous oppression by the communist government of China, the teachings of Falun Dafa have positively impacted people around the world. It is a testament to the power of the Falun Dafa message, that despite the efforts of a totalitarian regime to extinguish this moral worldview, it has flourished abroad.

“Since 1999, practitioners of Falun Dafa have been subject to cruel and inhumane attacks and experienced many atrocities at the hands of the Chinese communist government. This includes the deliberate targeting of the Falun Dafa for state-sponsored organ harvesting. These brutal crimes must be stopped now, the victims never forgotten and those responsible for this disgusting atrocity must be brought to justice. The corrupt officials who perpetrated these government-sponsored organ harvesting programs must be sanctioned under Canada's Sergei Magnitsky Act and stop these gross international human rights violators from using Canada as a safe haven to hide their wealth, their families and themselves. It is unacceptable for these heinous crimes to go unrecognized and unpunished.

“We are blessed to live in Canada, a democratic country where we protect freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech. We keep our thoughts and prayers with those who live under regimes where they must hide their faith and beliefs, and we hope for a day when all people may practice their religion freely and openly.

“Together, we look forward to a future where Falun Dafa can be practiced freely and without persecution. I wish you a happy Falun Dafa Day and a joyous month of celebration!”

Video greeting from Sam Oosterhoff, MPP of Ontario, Canada

Sam Oosterhoff MPP said in the greeting, “On Falun Dafa Day, we honor the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. I want to congratulate the Falun Dafa community on 33 years of championing the peaceful expression of your belief and freedom here in Canada and across the globe.

“As the MPP for Niagara West, I want to recognize the promotion of peaceful dialogue and contribution of the Falun Dafa Association of Canada to local communities right across the province. This includes 19 years of the successful performances of Shen Yun at major venues in Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton. I have the pleasure of actually participate in watching it myself.

“As an MPP of faith, I am also committed to the principles of religious and political freedom. To quote the former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his prologue to the original Canadian bill of Rights: ‘I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God, free to stand for what I think is right, and free to oppose what I believe is wrong.’

“Once again, I want to congratulate you for your enduing commitment to religious freedom and the charter of values of this nation.”

Letter from Janice Lukes, Acting Deputy Mayor of the City of Winnipeg

The letter reads, “Falun Dafa Day is an important occasion that celebrates the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public and highlights the core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. These values continue to inspire individuals and foster a spirit of harmony and resilience in communities across our country.

“I commend the Falun Dafa community for your peaceful perseverance in the face of ongoing challenges, and for your steadfast commitment to spiritual growth, wellness, and service. The strength and dignity shown by practitioners-many of whom came to Canada seeking freedom from persecution-is deeply moving and worthy of recognition.

“Your contributions to our city through cultural engagement and free wellness programs have had a positive impact on the lives of many. I am proud to support the values you uphold and the freedom you have found here in Canada to live them fully.

“As a long-time supporter of the Falun Dafa community in Winnipeg, I stand with you in celebration of this special day and in reaffirming our shared commitment to human rights and the fundamental freedoms we all cherish.”

Proclamation of Falun Dafa Month from Major Paul Lefebvre of the City of Sudbury

Letter from Ron R. Schuler MLA for Springfield-Ritchot.

Letter from Mayor Andrew LeBlanc of the Town of Riverview, NB

Letter from Mayor David L. Corkum of the Municipality of the County of Kings

Proclamation of Falun Dafa Day from Mayor James Gibson of the Township of Chapple

Letter from Brad Bradford, Toronto City Councilor

Video greeting from James Pasternak, Toronto City Councilor

Video greeting from Brad Butt, City Councilor of Mississauga