On July 20, with the full support of members of Ontarios Provincial Parliament, practitioners in Toronto held their first press conference and luncheon in the parliament building. During the press conference, practitioners delivered a statement describing in detail the persecution endured by Falun Gong practitioners in China. They reiterated their desire to establish an open dialogue with the Chinese government in order to resolve the crisis peacefully, and called upon all people of the world to support their efforts.
Next, Colleen Beaumier, Member of the Canadian Parliament, Vice President of the Canadian Council of Diplomacies and International Trade, and President of the Human Rights Committee, spoke at length about Falun Gong. She expressed her concern about the crisis, and condemned the Chinese government for committing flagrant human rights violations, which she described as a step backward for China. She emphasized in her speech that in spite of the huge Chinese commerce market, the Canadian government should consider its obligation and responsibility in the world as a Western democracy. She suggested that a peaceful dialogue could improve mutual understanding and help mitigate negative effects. She also gratefully acknowledged the efforts of Amnesty International and other human rights organizations for their work on behalf of the Falun Gong issue. Ms. Beaumiers speech was received with enthusiastic applause from the audience. It was followed by a speech by Patricia Diaz, spokesperson for Amnesty International in Toronto. Ms. Diaz said, The crackdown has to be stopped It is time for the Chinese government to pay its due respect to the basic rights of Falun Gong practitioners! And it is also time for the Canadian and other governments to be actively involved in the persistent effort to make the Chinese government stop this huge tide of persecution.
Ms. Beaumiers open support for Falun Gong attracted extensive media attention and she was interviewed by many journalists. Nearly ten media outlets covered the press conference. At the same time, all members of parliament, and their respective staffs, could watch the live broadcast of the press conference from their offices, through closed-circuit TV. A luncheon was held after the press conference. During the luncheon, practitioners displayed a photo exhibit documenting the history of Falun Gong over the past eight years. They also showed a video documenting the torture inflicted upon Falun Gong practitioners in China. The ample evidence and the vivid pictures struck a chord with the guests. They all expressed their indignation over Chinas inhumane treatment toward innocent Falun Gong practitioners, as well as their admiration for the great compassion, tolerance, and dedication to the truth exhibited by Chinese Falun Gong practitioners.
Prior to this event, Ms. Beaumier had expressed her interest in reading the Falun Gong books. Practitioners in Toronto presented her with a set of materials consisting of the books, Zhuan Falun, China Falun Gong and the exercise videotape." She promised she would try her best to negotiate an open dialogue, in order to resolve the issue peacefully. She marveled, You are just great! You are so determined and hard-working. I will spare no effort to help you. An MP (member of the parliament) assistant said, To acknowledge your efforts, Ill award you a certificate.
Among the guests attending the luncheon, were history professors from the University of Toronto, assistants to the City Councilors and Provincial MPs, lawyers, and human rights experts. The organizer also received advocacy letters from three MPs, one Provincial MP, and mayors of three cities around Toronto.
Outside the parliament building, one hundred practitioners held a group practice to demonstrate the exercises. Inside, dozens of practitioners participated in the luncheon. Large banners displaying the Falun emblem attracted tourists that were passing by and staff members from inside the building. Most of the Provincial Parliament staff was already familiar with the Falun Gong cultivation practice because the Toronto practitioners have been practicing the Falun Gong exercises behind the parliament building every morning, as well as holding several large-scale group activities in Toronto. They told the practitioners "your outdoors exercises are the best way to promote your activities."
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Category: Rallies & Protests
