(Minghui.org) Shen Yun Performing Arts is set to embark this month on its all-new 2013 world tour. The season will see over 300 performances, including in some new destinations. The 2013 tour kicks-off in Buenos Aires from Dec. 13 to the 21st. There will be 30 shows in Canada, the first to be held in Mississauga on December 20. Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, and the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, Tim Hudak, sent congratulatory letters to Shen Yun.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, and the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, Tim Hudak sent congratulatory letters to Shen Yun.

Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded in 2006. Since 2007, it has toured in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Stephen Harper has sent letters of greeting to Shen Yun every year, since he became the Prime Minister in 2006. This year, he said: “Tonight's event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience an exquisite presentation of classical dance and music inspired by 5000 years of traditional Chinese culture.”

“I am certain that this beautiful production will be enjoyed by everyone in the audience. I would like to commend tonight's performers for sharing their talent with audiences throughout the country and around the world, and for advancing Chinese performing arts in Canada.”

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable evening.”

The Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney

Jason Kenney, the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, watched Shen Yun show a few years ago and has sent letters of congratulations to Shen Yun every year.

This year, he said: “As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I would like to thank the organizers and artists for allowing Canadians to share in China's deep cultural traditions. I encourage all Canadian to take advantage of the opportunity to share in this celebration of traditional Chinese art.”

Mr. Kenney continued: “I am pleased to extend my greeting to all those attending a showing of Shen Yun Performing Arts. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I would like to thank the Falun Dafa Association on Canada for their contribution to a proudly diverse Canada.”

“Traditional dance and music, such as this, provide a unique opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture. Through its expressivity, this form of art can communicate, in a universal language, the very core of the beliefs and tradition of a civilization. In Canada, Chinese art continues to play an important role in our pluralistic society.”

Tim Hudak, the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, who has sent letters of greeting to Shen Yun every year, did the same again this year. He thanked the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for organizing the shows, and the Shen Yun artists for bringing the beautiful performances to Canada.