(Minghui.org) May 13, 2023, was the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 24th World Falun Dafa Day, as well as the birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice. Several members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their appreciation to Master Li and extended their congratulations on Falun Dafa Day.
Judy Sgro MP, co-chair of the Falun Gong Parliamentary Friendship Group, said, “We must always remember how Falun Dafa started: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I believe that these principles are the principles that the world needs. If there is anything the world needs, we need these three words to be practiced all over the world.”
Judy Sgro MP, co-chair of the Falun Gong Parliamentary Friendship Group, spoke during the celebration on May 3, 2023.
On May 3, hundreds of practitioners braved the rain to gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to celebrate the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction.
She said that every year on World Falun Dafa Day, she would gather with Falun Gong practitioners to, “Witness the leadership of Falun Dafa and Falun Dafa’s spiritual leader in promoting world peace.” She thanked Mr. Li Hongzhi for his foresight, and the spiritual philosophy upheld by Falun Dafa that has brought hope to her and so many more people.
Ms. Sgro, who sent her greetings by video, also said, “The beauty and power of Falun Dafa has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, including Canada. Falun Dafa has helped people find inner peace, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.
“Its teachings have inspired countless individuals to overcome physical and emotional challenges, to cultivate their hearts and their minds, and to live with greater kindness. Its message of spiritual growth and enlightenment continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds and beliefs.”
One of the Great Achievements of the 21st Century
“I’m very proud to be a friend to Falun Dafa,” said Scott Reid MP, Official Opposition Critic for Democratic Institutions. He was one of the people who nominated Mr. Li for the Nobel Peace Prize a few years ago.
“You know, there’s no doubt that taking a movement this large and making sure that it remains entirely feasible, is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially in the face of violent persecution. It is one of the great achievements of the 21st century that Falun Gong practitioners have been so relentlessly true to their commitments, you know, and there’s almost no parallel that I can think of.”
Scott Reid MP, Official Opposition Critic for Democratic Institutions, speaking at the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3
In wishing Master Li a happy birthday, he said, “I think on this occasion, it’s appropriate to say that you have given us a birthday gift, rather than the reverse, and we are very grateful indeed.
“To the practitioners around the world, it is just [that] their strength of character and their strength of commitment is extraordinary. And in the end, the values that you express are eternal. Truth-Compassion-Forbearance: these are such powerfully rooted parts of the Chinese cultural tradition that they will triumph in the end. They cannot fail to triumph.”
Falun Dafa Practitioners Have Strong Belief
Tom Kmiec MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees, said, “It’s been over 30 years...since the practice started...in mainland China, then spread all around the world, and practitioners have brought it everywhere from all walks of life.”
Tom Kmiec MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees, addressed the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3.
He said that Falun Dafa is a very peaceful practice, and the persistence of its practitioners shows the power of Falun Dafa, although it never interferes with democracy in Canada. He has seen that Falun Dafa practitioners are proud of their belief. He thinks it also shows that Canada is a great country because people can have freedom of belief and can practice in whatever way they feel most comfortable.
He said, “I see more and more people come out. And that’s a good sign. It means the community is strong. It means that people...have a strong sense of belief and community that they want to stay together. And they’re refusing to be intimidated by a foreign government.”
He wished Master Li a happy birthday and thanked him: “The belief has spread and it’s stayed completely peaceful. He should be pretty proud of that. Thank you very much.”
The World Needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance More Than Ever
Colin Carrie MP said, “First of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank him (Master Li) personally for his leadership, but also the Falun Dafa community, especially now in the world where we’re so challenged. The values that are promoted by Falun Gong—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance—these are values that are being lost around the world right now. So the example that he brings forward is an example that we need now more than ever.”
Colin Carrie MP speaking at the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3
“On your birthday, I hope that you achieve all the joy and goals and allow them to settle in the differences that you have made not only here in Canada, but around the world, getting your message out [about] the importance of spiritual meditation. As a chiropractor, I’ve always said spiritual health goes with emotional health with physical health. And the values that you promote are making a huge difference in the world. Thank you for everything that you’ve done.”
Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Encompass All Canadian Values
After wishing practitioners a happy Falun Dafa Day, James Bezan MP said, “I think that this is a great opportunity to celebrate everything that Falun Dafa stands for with Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. It encompasses all our values as Canadians. And it’s why I think that Falun Gong practitioners are so welcome here in Canada. And I think that is something that is exciting in itself.”
“So, happy birthday to the founder. I just say, ‘Happy birthday.’ It’s great that everybody here and around the world, but especially right here in Ottawa, that we’re celebrating all your great contributions.
James Bezan MP speaking at the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3.
“I think that we should not lose heart, despite the problems that we’re seeing in Beijing, despite the continuous oppression. Genocide has been committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China and is something that we have to stand up against. And by everybody being here, in front of our parliament buildings, showing that we have democratic rules, where we fight for human rights and stand up for our civil liberties, which includes freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. We know that this is resonating around the world as well. And that message will get back to those that are under oppression, that are fighting tyranny, and fighting against this communist regime in Beijing.”
Dan Muys MP said, “We’re going to recognize the birthday of the founder (Master Li) of the very peaceful practice. And we should be encouraging that in Canada. In Canada, we stand up for freedoms, rights, human rights, and democracy. That is what we’re doing here in Canada. The values of truthfulness, compassion for all Canadians.”
Dan Muys MP addressed the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3.
Ted Falk MP said to practitioners, “We hear your cry. We see your plight. We empathize with you. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We’re pleading with the Chinese government to backtrack on what they’re doing to the Falun Dafa community. To discontinue the forced organ harvesting. That seems to be a practice that they’re involved with and is specifically targeting the Falun Gong community.”
Ted Falk MP speaks in the rally on Parliament Hill on May 3.
“Thank you for what you’ve done and in making this day a special day for the practitioners of Falun Dafa. I just wish you all the best.”
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