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Epoch Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
‘Falun Dafa Will Prevail': Canadian MPs Mark 33rd Falun Dafa Day on Parliament Hill
Over a dozen MPs gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28 to mark the anniversary of Falun Dafa, a Chinese meditation practice first introduced to the public more than three decades ago. MPs from both major political parties delivered speeches in front of hundreds of Falun Dafa practitioners and other attendees who gathered on Parliament Hill to mark the occasion. The event included live music and dance performances, as well as demonstrations of the practice's meditative exercises. Falun Gong practitioners perform meditative exercises during an event to celebrate the World Falun Dafa Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Evan Ning/The Epoch Times Liberal MP Judy Sgro welcomed the practitioners on behalf of the newly elected prime minister and his government and commended Falun Dafa's moral teachings and values. 'It's wonderful for us to be here on this beautiful, sunny day that clearly, God is shining down on all of us, especially those of you who are celebrating the 33rd anniversary today,' Sgro, co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, told the crowd. Classical Chinese dance was performed as part of events to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Evan Ning/The Epoch Times Referring to the guiding principles of Falun Dafa—truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, or forbearance—Sgro said the whole word is in need of these tenets. 'Everywhere we look today, we've got conflicts,' she said. 'If we could just get everybody into believing in the basic words of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, I think the world … would be a much better place.' Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/13/2025 Conservative MP and Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman noted the benefits that Falun Dafa brings to the community, and said her party would stand with the practitioners in the face of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Conservative MP and Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'Every single day, I'm always proud to add my voice to yours. I'm proud to stand with you,' she said. 'I know that the Falun Dafa movement, everything that you are a part of, adds to each and every one of our communities, not only with volunteerism, … but by the tolerance and the benevolence and the forbearance that you preach.' Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese discipline combining slow-moving exercises and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Introduced in China on May 13, 1992, an Although the discipline is currently practised in more than 100 countries worldwide, it is banned in communist China, where practitioners have faced severe persecution for more than 25 years, with reports of torture, forced labour, killings, and even live forced organ The persecution campaign was started in 1999 by then-CCP leader Jiang Zemin who saw the spiritual discipline's growing popularity and moral teachings as not being aligned with the CCP's atheistic doctrines. Young Falun Gong practitioners perform a classical Chinese dance piece as part of events to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'An Inspiration' Conservative MP Scott Reid praised Falun Dafa practitioners, calling them 'such amazing people who do such amazing work.' 'You're an inspiration in ways that are profound,' he said in his speech. 'You're addressing universal values, but you're addressing them in a way that is key to bringing China and its amazing ancient culture, its values, into the world system for the benefit of China itself and its people, for the benefit of the rest of the world.' He also noted that at the same time, he is sad that the persecution is continuing in China. 'The Communist Party continues a completely senseless campaign against a fundamentally non-political movement. It makes no sense to me,' Reid said. Conservative MP Scott Reid speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times But, he noted, through practitioners' 'extraordinary commitment to forbearance and compassion,' the persecution will end one day. He said the effort that the practitioners are displaying while incorporating their 'amazing set of values into the culture of the world' is the 'great work perhaps of our century.' 'Stand Together in Solidarity' Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, also a co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, noted the peaceful nature of the practice, while adding that under the Communist Party in China, it has been subject to 'some of the worst persecution that we have seen.' 'We have to stand together in solidarity for truth and justice and stand against the threats to world peace and to universal human dignity that are presented by the CCP,' he said. Genius said the work he did to pass legislation in the previous sessions of Parliament will make it harder for the CCP to continue its forced organ harvesting of Falun Dafa prisoners of conscience, as it enables Ottawa to Conservative MP Garnett Genuis speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'But the work is not done on that. We can work with partners around the world to have similar legislation adopted in some other jurisdictions, and work with provincial and territorial leaders to ensure the full implementation of measures to prevent any kind of Canadian complicity in forced organ harvesting and trafficking,' he said. Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux noted how important Falun Dafa practitioners are not only to Ottawa and his constituency in Winnipeg, but 'around the world.' He said the practitioners do important work to ensure 'the spiritual well-being' of the world, and to raise awareness about the persecution in China. Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'Falun Dafa Will Prevail' Mike Duggan, a city councillor in Gatineau, just across the river from Parliament Hill, said the scene created by the Falun Dafa practitioners on May 28 was 'the nicest I've seen in this place in quite a while.' 'Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice rooted in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, offers millions a path to personal growth, health, and inner peace through meditation and moral teachings,' Duggan said. 'In over 100 countries, practitioners gather in parks and public spaces such as this one, sharing their beliefs and exercises freely, contributing to cultural diversity and mutual understanding.' Mike Duggan, a Gatineau city councillor, speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times Duggan noted the importance of the freedom of thought and to be able to practice one's faith, and how that is cherished in Canada. 'I support Falun Dafa practitioners in their peaceful pursuit of faith, hoping that their example … inspires greater compassion and respect for diversity everywhere, among all humans around the world,' he said. Conservative MP Michael Cooper said Falun Dafa's tenets are the 'antithesis of everything' that the CCP stands for. 'In fact, there is one word that sums up the Beijing-based communist regime, and that is: evil,' he said. And it's important to stand up to this evil, Cooper added. Conservative MP Michael Cooper speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'As a member of Parliament, I will go–as I have for years–into that chamber to stand up and speak out in support of the Falun Dafa,' he said. 'Good will prevail, Falun Dafa will prevail.' Ending the Persecution Liberal MP Yvan Baker said more people need to be made aware of the persecution Falun Gong practitioners experience in China, saying that he is an 'ally' in working to end the persecution. 'It's important that Canadians know about the persecution of … the followers of Falun Dafa, and that we do all we can to support them,' he said. Liberal MP Yvan Baker speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall said Falun Dafa has been a source of 'mental, moral, and physical enrichment' for millions of people, although it faces persecution in China, and even interference attempts by the CCP abroad. 'For most of the 33 years, Falun Dafa has been persecuted by the highest-levels of Beijing communist regime in China and abroad,' Wagantall said. 'It's no wonder why Beijing works so tirelessly to suppress followers at Falun Dafa. Its main tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance stand antithetical to what the communist regime stands for.' Wagantall added she stands with Falun Dafa practitioners 'today, and every day.' Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'The True North Strong and Free' Conservative MP James Bezan said the three principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance practised by Falun Dafa is 'really all about the principles of us Canadians.' 'We're going to continue to celebrate Falun Dafa Day every year,' he told the practitioners on Parliament Hill. 'And I know that each and every one of you, whether you're born a Canadian or you have come here to become a Canadian, I thank you for making Canada the True North Strong and Free.' Bezan also noted the work he did to pass the ' Conservative MP James Bezan speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'There is no reason why those bureaucrats, doctors, corrupt businesspeople should be able to bring their families and their wealth to Canada and use us as a safe haven when they have really benefited from the torture and the atrocities against Falun Dafa,' he said. 'I'll continue to use my voice as a member of Parliament to stand up and speak out for Falun Gong practitioners.' Conservative MP Dan Muys noted that he attends the Falun Dafa Day celebrations in Ottawa every year, and thanked practitioners for holding the event. Conservative MP Dan Muys speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'Thank you for coming here and [for the] peaceful demonstration each year to extol the virtues of truth, compassion and forbearance, which are virtues that the world needs more of,' he said. 'A Powerful Reminder' Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld said the World Falun Dafa Day celebration is a 'powerful reminder of the universal values that unite us: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.' Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'These principles not only form the foundation of Falun Dafa, but also inspire peaceful coexistence and mutual respect across communities across Canada and beyond,' Vandenbeld said. 'I commend the resilience and dedication of Falun Dafa practitioners in promoting peace, wellness, and human dignity, often in the face of profound adversity.' Conservative MP Costas Menegakis speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times Conservative MP Costas Menegakis noted that he last joined the World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in 2015 before he left politics, but had a chance to join again this year after being re-elected in the April 28 general election. 'It's beautiful to see so many people from Montreal, from Ottawa, from Toronto gathering here to celebrate this, the 33rd Falun Dafa Day, right here … in the nation's capital,' he said. Conservative MP Rhonda Kirkland speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times Newly elected Conservative MP Rhonda Kirlkand also wished the attendees a 'happy Falun Dafa Day,' adding that she was 'excited' to be part of the event. Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin, who was also newly elected in the recent election, wished the attendees a 'Happy Falun Dafa Day,' and said it's important to stand to support the practitioners in the face of the CCP's persecution. Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin speaks during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 28, 2025. Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times 'It's an honour to stand on the side of truth and justice and to support our friends in the community, and [I'm] proud that our party has stood up for human rights, especially with all the issues going on with the CCP,' Guglielmin said.
Epoch Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
‘Time to Dismantle' China's Organ Harvesting Industry, Senator Says
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for its ongoing human rights abuses, particularly forced organ harvesting, against Falun Gong practitioners. 'China's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners is an attack on religious freedom and human rights. It's long past time to dismantle the CCP's state-sponsored organ harvesting industry,' Cruz, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Cruz was responding to an Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that encourages practitioners to abide by its core principles: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It was first introduced to the public in 1992 and The CCP deemed Falun Gong's widespread appeal as a threat to its rule and launched a brutal crackdown in July 1999—a campaign of persecution and human rights abuses that continues to this day. Many Falun Gong practitioners have died after suffering abuses while incarcerated, while others have been killed for their organs. Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/8/2025 In 2019, the 'Amid the past 25 years of brutal persecution, there has never been an act of retaliatory violence by Falun Gong practitioners,' Levi Browde, executive director of the Falun Dafa Information Center, 'What is it about Falun Gong that endeared itself so quickly to so many, and gave them the inner strength to peacefully withstand the full force and terror of the Chinese regime? The answer lies in its core tenets and how the teachings offer people a way to genuinely live by them.' To celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners Similar parades were also in several other cities this month, including In response to Cruz's comment, the Falun Dafa Information Center expressed gratitude and thanked the senator for his 'steadfast leadership on human rights' in an 'We're grateful for your introduction of S.817, the Falun Gong Protection Act, and hope to see it passed in the Senate soon!' the organization wrote. Cruz The House of Representatives The legislation now Texas was the first U.S. state to Since then,
Epoch Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Arizona Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day
Cities across the Grand Canyon State are joining a global wave of officials marking more than 30 years since the public introduction of Falun Dafa. World Falun Dafa Day honors both the birthday of the practice's founder, Li Hongzhi, and the practice's global impact on health and morality. The day also highlights practitioners' efforts to defend their freedom of belief amid ongoing persecution by the Chinese communist regime. To mark the celebration, the mayors of five Arizona cities—Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Prescott Valley, and Casa Grande—issued proclamations recognizing May 13, 2025, as Falun Dafa Day in their cities. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego issued a proclamation ahead of the global celebrations, recognizing the values of Falun Dafa. '[I] encourage residents to reflect on the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance and honor the contributions of those who strive to bring peace, Health and harmony to our communities,' Gallego said in her proclamation. Phoenix has recognized the occasion since 2021. Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/9/2025 The three principles—truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—are the core moral beliefs behind the teachings of Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, a spiritual practice introduced to the Chinese public in 1992. In just a few years, the practice's popularity grew exponentially, reaching at least 70 million by 1999, according to official estimates. The practice was introduced to Arizona in 1998. Mayor Kevin Hartke of Chandler has been issuing a proclamation to recognize May 13 as Falun Dafa Day for several years since assuming office in 2019. Hartke declared the celebration in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. Hartke acknowledged the diversity displayed among Falun Gong practitioners, saying the practice 'transcends cultural, social, and national boundaries.' As stated in the proclamation, meditation exercises and teachings of the practice have been offered to the public by volunteers for free around the world, spreading to tens of millions of people in over 100 countries. Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, who has been supportive of the practice since assuming office in 2013, also acknowledged the health benefits that it brings to the community through free workshops in local libraries and parks. Weiers also shed light on the Chinese communist regime's brutal persecution of Falun Gong since 1999. According to 'Falun Dafa practitioners' determination and courage to stand up for Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance while facing severe persecution from the Chinese Communist Party has shown the world the value of life and the preciousness of human dignity,' Weiers's proclamation reads. Joining the three cities in the celebration this year are Prescott Valley and Casa Grande, located in the northern and southern parts of the state, respectively. Like his southern colleagues, Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta also commemorated the benefits that Falun Gong brought to the community with its peaceful principles and exercises, while praising practitioners for bearing the years-long persecution with great fortitude. Casa Grande's newly elected mayor, Lisa N. Fitzgibbons, likewise declared May 13 as Falun Dafa Day prior to the celebration in April. Fitzgibbons' predecessor, former Mayor Craig H. McFarland, did the same for the 25th World Falun Dafa Day in 2024.
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
US State Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day
U.S. state officials nationwide have issued proclamations, citations, and congratulatory letters to recognize World Falun Dafa Day, which is observed annually on May 13. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore 'Falun Gong transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to the universal dream of a peaceful, tolerant, and more compassionate society,' Kotek's proclamation 'Falun Gong practitioners' determination and courage to stand up for the principles of Truthfulness—Compassion—Tolerance in the face of severe persecution has shown the world the value of life and preciousness of human dignity.' A proclamation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Courtesy of The three principles—truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—are the core moral beliefs behind the teachings of Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice introduced to the Chinese public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. The practice's popularity grew exponentially, reaching at least 70 million by 1999, according to official estimates. Perceiving that the group's widespread appeal was undermining its iron grip on Chinese society, the CCP responded with a brutal persecution that same year, and the abuses continue to this day. In 2024, there were Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/5/2025 In New York, some members of the state Legislature issued either a citation or a letter, including Assembly Members Doug Smith, Karl Brabenec, Jodi Giglio, and John Mikulin. 'In recognition of May 13th, 2025, as World Falun Dafa Day in the State of New York, we urge all citizens to join in recognizing the contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners, and to support heir effort to promote peace, health, and harmony across the world, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party,' the four assembly members stated in their joint citation dated May 13. A citation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by New York Assembly Members Doug Smith, Karl Brabenec, Jodi Giglio, and John Mikulin. The Epoch Times In a letter dated May 13, New York Sen. April Baskin stated that this 'special day' offers 'renewed hope for a future free from oppression.' 'Falun Dafa practitioners have stood firm in peacefully exposing the truth and warning the world about the destructive nature of the CCP's authoritarian ideology,' the letter reads. To mark the special occasion, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners Some state officials from Pennsylvania Sen. Mary Isaacson highlighted in her A citation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by Pennsylvania Sen. Mary Isaacson. The Epoch Times On May 7, the House of Representatives The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration. In a 'We will continue to advocate for its swift passage in the Senate and for this vital bill to be signed into law,' the association wrote. Bob Fu, a pastor and founder of U.S.-based Christian nonprofit ChinaAid, urged Congress to pass the legislation in an 'This bipartisan bill combats China's horrific practice of forcibly harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners and Uyghurs,' Fu wrote. 'No more silence. No more complicity. Say NO to Crimes Against Humanity.'
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
‘My Heroes': Faith Group Praised for Waking the World up to the CCP's 'Evil Nature'
One councillor has declared Falun Dafa practitioners his 'heroes' for standing up to the brutal 25-year persecution carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 'When we said that Falun Dafa is a great contribution to the world—to humankind—it was actually a very timely and creative response to the bankruptcy of communist ideology in China and around the world,' said Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri, from the City of Parramatta in western Sydney. 'Due to your effort, the evil and the crimes against humanity committed by the brutal totalitarian regime, more and more people in the whole world have now awakened to understand the evil nature of this regime,' Pillamarri told the crowd during World Falun Dafa Day celebrations on May 10 in Sydney. He praised the practice for bringing health, mental, and spiritual benefits to society, noting that these values were not compatible with the atheist CCP. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a meditation practice with moral teachings centred on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The practice attracted between 70 and 100 million practitioners in the 1990s, according to the CCP regime's official estimate at the time. Related Stories 5/13/2024 8/21/2024 Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri gave a speech at a World Falun Dafa Day celebration held in Sydney on May 10, 2024. An Pingya/The Epoch Times Former CCP leader Jiang Zemin considered the practice a threat and launched the official persecution in July 1999, which has resulted in arbitrary imprisonments, sentencing, torture, and The CCP also launched a global disinformation campaign against the practice and actively courted Western institutions and partners to spread this. Over the last 25 years, Falun Dafa practitioners have in response, launched their own efforts to expose the CCP's crimes against humanity, encouraging Chinese people to Standing Up for Rights or the Ballot Box? While the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the This concern was concluded in a 2022 Liberal Party internal review that found former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's tough stance on Beijing was 'anti-Chinese' and deemed to have turned away Chinese-Australian voters—a finding The issue reared its head again during the 2025 federal election where the Liberal Party performed poorly across several electorates with large Asian populations. However, some MPs believe standing up for freedom and human rights are more important than the ballot box. Queensland One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, who was recently re-elected, expressed admiration for the group's defence of freedom. 'Falun Dafa's principles of truth, compassion and forbearance are essential to peace, humanity and to freedom,' Roberts wrote in his message to the local Falun Dafa community for the event. 'In my experience and studies, freedom is a basic human right and essential to human progress.' Healthy and Peaceful Lifestyle Meanwhile, other Australian leaders praised Falun Gong for its benefits to society. 'Their dedication to peaceful living, community harmony, and personal growth enriches the social and cultural fabric of our society,' said Bree James, Liberal National MP for Barron River in north Queensland. Another Parramatta city councillor, Sameer Pandey, shared similar sentiments. 'I am always very supportive of organisations that works with the community to improve health and wellbeing, promotes peace and harmony, provides hope and help and builds moral foundation for the community,' he wrote. Councillor Jess Diaz of Blacktown City Council praised the group's peaceful efforts to raise awareness. 'Falun Dafa's way is a strong contrast to the loud and undisciplined protests and chants,' she said, noting that this was 'more effective in highlighting and spreading the message of peace to the world and in keeping social cohesion and prosperity in Australia, where many of us sought refuge.' Falun Gong practitioners held a rally to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public in Sydney on May 10, 2025. An Pingya/The Epoch Times Australians Can Do More to Stop Organ Harvesting: Greens Greens Councillor Judy Greenwood of the Parramatta Council called on Australians to do more against the CCP's forced organ harvesting. 'I call on the Australian medical community to help raise awareness of reports of unethical organ transplant practices and to look into credible, transparent and independent investigations into these reports,' he wrote. Greenwood referred to the Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure and Other Measures) Bill 2023, which was Falun Dafa practitioners raise awareness about forced organ harvesting atrocities in China, as they march through Manhattan celebrating World Falun Dafa Day, on May 16, 2019. Edward Dye/The Epoch Times 'It aims to fight the illegal organ trafficking and forced organ harvesting from living people, including Falun Gong practitioners in China. David Shoebridge [Greens MLC in NSW then] had earlier While the bill passed its first and second readings in the Legislative Council, it lapsed in February 2019 due to the prorogation of Parliament and was not enacted into law. The U.S. Congress' The penalties range from blocking an offender from entering the United States, invalidating the offender's visa, to imposing criminal punishment of fines of up to US$1 million and 20 years in prison. Councillors Helen Hughes and Paul Garrard of Cumberland City Council, as well as Councillor Allan V. Green of Blacktown City Council also pledged their support for World Falun Dafa Day.
