Oct 22, 2003

COQUITLAM (BC Newspaper Group) - Coquitlam council will tell the Chinese government what it thinks of Falun Gong over the advice of the mayor.

Council voted Monday to send a letter to Coquitlam's sister city, Laizhou, and to the Chinese federal government "encouraging them to stop the torture of innocent practitioners of Falun Gong."

The motion was supported by all councilors present (Coun. Maxine Wilson was absent and Coun. Bill LeClair left the meeting briefly for part of the vote).

[...]

But an appeal by Falun Gong practitioners at the Sept. 2 council meeting and a list of similar civic motions was enough for the council.

"There is no economic benefit that allows the torture of people," said Coun. Mae Reid.

[...]

Coun. Louella Hollington said those who have freedom of speech should use it. "If they are also promoting further democracy in China," she said. "I think that's a good thing. All the more reason to send this letter.

"I think it's probably just a harmless form of yoga or tai chi."

Falun gong classes have been offered for free at city facilities and books on it have been donated to the city's libraries.

A listing for Falun Gong also appears in The Tri-City News' Community Calendar; it reads: "Falun Dafa/Falun Gong practice to improve mind, body and spirit: Lafarge Lake, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classes are free. Info: Carolyn, 604-9440-4909 or visit: www.falundafa.org.

http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=bc_home&articleID=1439070