(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Ottawa introduced this traditional Chinese cultivation practice and exposed the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution during the 26th Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, the largest dragon boat festival in North America, which was celebrated this year from June 20 to June 23.

About 75,000 people went to Mooney's Bay Park for the regatta, cultural events, art shows, and gourmet food. Crowds of people got a chance to learn about the benefits of Falun Dafa and signed a petition calling for an end to the persecution of innocent Falun Dafa practitioners in China.

Practitioners doing the exercises together in Mooney's Bay Park on June 22

Collecting signatures to end the persecution of Falun Dafa in China during the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Canadians Support Dafa

Local resident Ms. Ritha Proano became interested in Falun Dafa after listening to an introduction. She learned the five exercises and said afterward, “I feel very relaxed. It cleared my thoughts.”

Ms. Ritha Proano learns the Falun Dafa exercises.

Ritha said her days were filled with being busy at work and at home, making her feel anxious. As a software support tech person, she is tasked with solving many difficult problems. Then there are the problems at home and her children's school. She said, “I really need a way to calm down and not think of anything. The values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance benefit society, especially children.”

When she heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China, Ritha signed the petition calling for the Canadian government to help stop it. She said it was unfair and sad, and she would like to do her best to help.

Soon after Ritha left, her husband, Rene, appeared. He had heard about the exercises from his wife and wanted to learn them, too. Rene concentrated on learning the exercises during the time he had and said at the end, “I feel very relaxed. It's a great feeling!” He noted that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance were universal values and thought Falun Dafa was a very unique practice. He hopes the situation in China improves soon.

Ms. Jo Nuttall, another local resident, signed the petition and said, “I hope everyone holds these values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The persecution is disgusting. What kind of government would do such a thing? I live in Canada and have taken freedom for granted. The persecution in China is a good reminder that there are people suffering. The persecution is meaningless. I'm sorry to hear that people are treated so terribly.”

Many others signed the petition. Xin Quihua, the Falun Dafa coordinator in Ottawa, said, “Canadians have a great sense of justice and compassion. More than 20 people signed the petition within a few hours.”