(Minghui.org) May 13, 2026, is the 27th anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day. Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal government officials have issued letters, videos, and proclamations to commemorate the event, and fifty-four letters and video greetings were received by May 13. These elected leaders commend practitioners’ contributions to their local communities and emphasize the freedom of religion, human rights, diversity of culture, and peace enjoyed in Canada. This article features selections from the letters and proclamations from officials in the Province of Ontario.
First Row (Left to Right): Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines; Monica Ciriello, Member of Provincial Parliament; John Kovac, Deputy Mayor of Mississauga; Brad Butt, City Councillor for Ward 11, Mississauga; Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseth.Second Row (Left to Right): Richard Norcross, Mayor of New Tecumseth; Jennifer Coughlin, Mayor of Springwater; Sandie Macdonald, Mayor of Essa; Crystal Meloche, Mayor of LaSalle; James Gibson, Mayor of Chapple. (Minghui.org)
Officials Commend the Values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
In their letters, government officials stated that Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance transcend the boundaries of culture, language and ethnicity, gain recognition worldwide and have a positive impact on the world.
Letter from Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines (Minghui.org)
Mr. Lecce stated in his letter, “Falun Dafa has touched the lives of more than 100 million people in over 110 countries, and for the past three decades, practitioners have shared the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, fostering spaces where individuals can come together and freely connect with one another through their faith.”
He continued, “Through meditation workshops and cultural initiatives like Shen Yun, your community has contributed to the diversity and vibrancy of our province, drawing inspiration from over 5,000 years of Chinese history and artistic tradition.
“Your ongoing commitment and dedication to those values help define our province and support the well-being of individuals and families.”
Letter from Mayor Gary McNamara of the Town of Tecumseth (Minghui.org)
Mayor Gary McNamara wrote, “This anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize the positive contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners, including their dedication to personal growth, community engagement, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. Such contributions enrich the cultural and social fabric of our communities.”
Letter from Mayor Crystal Meloche of the Town of LaSalle (Minghui.org)
Mayor Crystal Meloche stated, “These values contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our broader community and serve as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.”
Practitioners’ Resilience and Contribution Praised
In addition to confirming the values of Falun Dafa, a number of officials specifically remarked on the resilience of practitioners facing pressure and difficulty.
Video greetings from Monica Ciriello, Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Monica Ciriello MPP said in her greeting video, “Today we remember the resilience of practitioners in the face of the extreme hardship and recognize the importance of religious freedom and mutual respect for all people.”
Letter from Deputy Mayor John Kovac of the City of Mississauga (Minghui.org)
Deputy Mayor John Kovac stated in his letter, “I would also like to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of Falun Dafa practitioners, including those who have found safety and opportunity here in Canada. Through cultural events, volunteer initiatives, and wellness activities, the Falun Dafa community continues to make positive contributions that help strengthen and enrich our broader community.”
Letter from Mayor Sandie Macdonald of the Town of Essa (Minghui.org)
Mayor Sandie Macdonald wrote, “Canada is strengthened by its diversity and by the freedoms we share, including freedom of belief and expression. It is important to acknowledge the resilience of individuals and communities who have faced adversity, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to human rights, dignity, and peaceful coexistence.”
Video greeting from Brad Butt, City Councillor for Ward 11, Mississauga
Mr. Butt said in his video, “Thank you for working to create a healthier and more harmonious community through the spiritual discipline, Falun Dafa, and promoting the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, which unite us all.”
Local Governments Proclaim Falun Dafa Day
Several local governments issued proclamations or announcements and declared May 13 as Falun Dafa Day.
Proclamation on the website of the New Tecumseth government (Minghui.org)
The proclamation from the New Tecumseth government reads, “Whereas; Falun Dafa has benefited both physically and spiritually tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in over 100 countries, including Canada, since its public introduction in China in May 1992; and
“Whereas; Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to a more peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate society; and
“Therefore, be it resolved; that May 13, 2026 be designated Falun Dafa Day in the Town of New Tecumseth.”
Proclamation from the Municipality of Chapple (Minghui.org)
James Gibson, Mayor of Chapple, proclaimed May 13, 2026, Falun Dafa Day in the Municipality of Chapple.
Letter and certificate from Mayor Jennifer Coughlin of Springwater (Minghui.org)
Mayor Jennifer Coughlin wrote, “On behalf of The Township of Springwater, congratulations on the 34th anniversary of your annual celebration of the contributions of the members of the Falun Dafa community in Canada.”
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Category: Dafa Day Recognition
