(Minghui.org) Practitioners in Ottawa, Canada participated in multicultural festivals in September to introduce Falun Dafa and expose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. They were invited to participate in the Orleans Multicultural Festival on September 13 and the Kanata Dance and Music Festival on September 7.

Orleans Multicultural Festival

During the Fourth Orleans Multicultural Festival at Ottawa’s Aquaview Park on September 13, host Yvette Ashiri welcomed 33 participating groups. Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament (MP), described Orleans as a “beautiful mosaic” due to its diverse languages and cultures.

Practitioners demonstrated the exercises during the Orleans Multicultural Festival.

Many people stopped to watch as practitioners demonstrated the exercises. MP Lalonde said that Falun Dafa practitioners are definitely part of the community. She praised the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said they are universal values for all Canadians.

MP Marie-France Lalonde (fourth from left) with Falun Dafa practitioners

Organizer Yvette Ashiri thanked the Falun Dafa practitioners for their participation.

Ashiri said the exercise demostration was wonderful and relaxing. She said she plans to have practitioners demonstrate the exercises near the end of the festival next year so that more attendees can learn about Falun Dafa.

Practitioners showed people the exercises.

Jean Sebastien, a high school student, learned the exercises and said the practice helped him relax. He said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are connected with humanity.

Universal Values

Gipsy Ghosh

Gipsy Ghosh, an educator and entrepreneur from India, said that meditation is a way for us to connect with nature and the universe, so that we can improve our minds and health. “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance not only belong to Canada, but also the entire earth,” she explained.

This was the first time that John Pacheco, a retired chef, had heard about Falun Dafa, which he said was, “Excellent and touching,” and that in a society where people often lack patience and peace, the principles of Falun Dafa will give us spiritual strength.

Stopping the CCP’s Transnational Repression

Passersby who visited the Falun Dafa booth not only learned the benefits of the practice, but also learned about the 26-year-long persecution by the CCP. Evidence shows that the CCP has extended the suppression overseas, and has interfered with Shen Yun Performing Arts at numerous venues in Canada. Many people signed petitions urging the Canadian Parliament to pass legislation to stop the CCP’s transnational repression.

MP Marie-France Lalonde reiterated that Canada is a nation established on democracy and the rule of law to help people. She promised to follow up on this topic in parliament and said it’s important for Canadians to support each other.

Attendees learned about Falun Dafa and signed petitions to help end the persecution.

Pacheco signed a petition and said he wished to help practitioners enjoy their basic rights. He said it is wrong for the CCP to mistreat people, let alone export these human rights abuses to Canada.

Embracing Traditional Values

Ms. Chiu, a therapist who immigrated from Taiwan, said she’s seen practitioners’ peaceful protests in Taipei. Having witnessed harassment from pro-CCP agents in Taiwan, she said it was unfortunate that the CCP has expanded the suppression to Canada.

Ms. Chiu said she knew about the health benefits of Falun Dafa. “Some of my students practice Falun Dafa, and they told me that the practice improves character and gives them inner peace,” she said.

The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance help reduce conflicts and promote harmony within the family as well as in society. This is why Ms. Chiu said it was important for Western countries to help stop the CCP’s suppression.

Douglas Kwang, who immigrated to Canada many years ago, also signed a petition to support practitioners. He said he was worried about transnational repression by the CCP because people should have the freedom to practice their belief.

Mind and Body Improvement

Falun Dafa was also well received at the Kanata Dance and Music Festival on September 7. Ali Hejazi, an electrician and business owner, said he felt relaxed after doing the exercises.

Attendees learned the Falun Dafa exercises during the Kanata Dance and Music Festival.

Facing stress from work and life, Hejazi said he was glad to hear about Falun Dafa for physical relaxation and hope. He agreed with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance because he said they are consistent with ancient values, and are something we should all cherish.

Hejazi signed a petition and said he hopes the Canadian government does more to end the persecution. He said a government should take good care of people, and this is their most important responsibility.

People signed petitions to help end the persecution.

Children learned the Falun Dafa exercises.