Greetings to everyone taking part in the Second Annual Canada Falun Dafa Festival, making the 10th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public.

Truthfulness, compassion and forbearance are the principle on which Falun Dafa is based, but they are also universal ideals that have special importance here in Canada. Ours is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and we must cultivate openness, good will and tolerance if we are to live together in harmony. A fundamental building block of our society is respect for others of differing background and beliefs -- because we know that our differences enrich and enhance our life. Equally fundamental to us are the freedom of belief, association, express and information -- not only for Canadians but for people everywhere.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I commend the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for your efforts to build more peaceful and harmonious society. May these efforts bear fruit here and around the world, to the benefit of us all.

Sheila Copps