(Minghui.org) One of the world's newest holidays, World Falun Dafa Day is celebrated every May 13 in recognition of Falun Dafa's profound mental, spiritual, and physical benefits, and to celebrate the birthday of Falun Gong's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. This year's 15th annual Dafa Day festivities marked the 22nd anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction.
Despite the ongoing persecution of the peaceful cultivation practice in China, Falun Dafa continues to grow and enjoy great support around the world. In recognition of this year's World Falun Dafa Day, a number of Canadian Ministers and Members of Parliament extended their congratulations, commending Falun Dafa's contribution to society and practitioners' peaceful and tireless efforts to end the persecution in China.
Minister for Multiculturalism: “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance” Unites Canadians
Jason T. Kenney Canada's Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism
The Honorable Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, has been a long-time supporter of Falun Dafa and Dafa practitioners. He delivered a speech at this year's World Falun Dafa Day celebration at the Capitol on May 7.
In a letter to the Falun Dafa Association, Mr. Kenney wrote, “I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to all those celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public, hosted by the Falun Dafa Association of Canada.
“This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the principles of Falun Dafa and recognize its practitioners who promote tolerance and harmony and who have made, and continue to make, positive contributions to their communities. Truthfulness- Compassion-Forbearance, the values which define Falun Dafa, inspire many Canadians to work together to champion peace at home and around the globe.
Mr. Kenney believes that participating in celebrations such as World Falun Dafa Day is an opportunity to appreciate the different beliefs and traditions of Canadian families, friends and neighbors.
At the end of the letter, Mr. Kenney wrote, “As Minister for Multiculturalism, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada and all of your members, and I thank you for sharing the richness of the Falun Dafa culture with all Canadians. Best wishes for a successful event.”
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration: Truthfulness-Compassion- Forbearance Advance Canadian Multiculturalism
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mr. Chris Alexander
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mr. Chris Alexander wrote a letter of congratulations to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada in early May. In the letter, he stated, “This event is a reflection of our diversity – a celebration of our success as a welcoming nation that values the contributions of every individual and every community. The core principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which are at the core of Falun Dafa, are important ingredients in the advancement of Canadian multiculturalism. Through their enthusiasm and hard work, Falun Dafa practitioners encourage tolerance and harmony, and continue to make a positive impact on our great country.
“As Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister, I would like to thank the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for your important contributions to communities across Canada, I convey my best wishes to the Chinese Canadian community during this festive period.”
Member of Parliament: “I applaud the Falun Gong community's peaceful approach toward dealing with injustice and persecution”
Member of Parliament for York Centre Ontario Honorable Mark Adler sent a congratulatory greeting in celebration of the 22nd anniversary of Falun Dafa. He wrote, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to express our continued support for this spiritual practice which reflects the values of tolerance and harmony fundamental to any country like Canada, which cherishes freedom, democracy, and human rights. I applaud the Falun Dafa community's peaceful approach toward dealing with injustice and persecution... I hope that your month-long celebration in May is filled with positive energy and good fortune.”
Member of Parliament: Appreciation for the Mental and Spiritual Side of Falun Dafa
Honorable Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth-Wellington
Honorable Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth-Wellington, wrote in his letter to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, “When many people think of Falun Dafa, they imagine the ancient movements practiced by students to improve health and spiritual well-being. Far fewer people know of the mental and spiritual side of the tranquil and graceful exercises that practitioners have brought to our local communities for over two decades.
“With a philosophy of harmony, tolerance and compassion, practitioners of Falun Dafa bring these essential maxims into practice as our friends and neighbors at a time when it is much needed.”
“As the Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, I am pleased to offer my sincere congratulations on the 22nd anniversary of Falun Dafa.”
Member of Parliament: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Help Make Canada a Great Country
Honorable Bernard Trottier, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Honorable Bernard Trottier, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore sent a letter of greeting in honor of the 22nd anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa. In the letter he stated, “Your values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are values that contribute to the fabric of our country and help make Canada the great country it is.”
Member of Parliament: We stand behind the principles of tolerance and harmony
Honorable John Carmichael, MP for Don Valley West.
In his congratulatory letter, honorable John Carmichael, MP for Don Valley West, wrote, “It is a pleasure for me to extend my warmest greetings and very best wishes to those attending the 22nd Anniversary of Falun Dafa organized by the Canadian Falun Dafa Organization.
“I am very proud of the diversity and multiculturalism of our country and delighted to experience the customs and traditions of so many amazing cultures. The festivities and performances that surround the Falun Dafa tradition are a marvel and provided a great opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of the Chinese-Canadian community. The principles of tolerance and harmony are principles that we can all stand behind.”
Member of Parliament: Congratulates Falun Dafa Practitioners' Perseverance and Continued Determination in the Face of Injustice
Honorable Wayne Easter, MP for Prince Edward Island
Honorable Wayne Easter, MP for Prince Edward Island congratulated the Falun Dafa Association of Canada by writing, “It is my pleasure to extend my congratulations to the Falun Dafa Association of Canada on the 22nd anniversary of its introduction to the public. The practitioners of Falun Dafa are to be congratulated on their perseverance and continued determination in the face of injustice.”
Senator: I Commend the Falun Dafa Practitioners for Their Positive Contributions to All People and Communities
The Honorable David Wells, Senator
“It is with great pleasure that I offer greetings and congratulations during Falun Dafa month. The reverence and care with which the Falun Dafa message is delivered is indicative of its principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I commend the Falun Dafa practitioners for their positive contributions to all people and communities.
“I offer you my sincere thanks for sharing your principles and traditions with Canadians and best wishes for a joyful celebration.”
Member of Parliament: Praises the Values of Respect, Truthfulness and Tolerance
The Honorable Nicole Turmel, MP for Hull Aylmer
In her congratulatory letter, the Honorable Nicole Turmel wrote, “I hope we can continue to praise and validate the values of respect, truthfulness and tolerance for now and the time coming.”
