(Minghui.org) On Saturday, October 24, 2026, striking banners drew the attention of passersby along a bustling commercial street in downtown Montreal, Canada. The messages on the banners: “Falun Dafa Is Good, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Good,” “Stop the Persecution of Falun Gong,” “Put an End to the CCP’s Intimidation and Threats in Canada,” and “Canada, Do Not Bow to the CCP.”
A father read the words on the banners aloud to his child; several onlookers applauded or gave practitioners a thumbs up, while others raised their fists—a gesture of solidarity.
Practitioners were holding the march to protest the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) and its transnational repression, which has spread to Canada and other countries. The event drew a positive response from local residents.
Event coordinator Ms. Yang said that the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners—who follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance—has gone on for 27 years, and that this suppression has now reached beyond China’s borders. Recently, a violent attack occurred in front of the Chinese Consulate in Toronto, targeting peaceful Falun Dafa protesters. In recent years, there have also been incidents such as bomb threats directed at Shen Yun Performing Arts performances. These are the CCP’s attempt to expand its campaign of suppression into Western democratic nations.
Ms. Yang emphasised that the transnational repression undermines Canada’s fundamental values. She urged every responsible individual to speak out, condemn this transnational repression, and help protect Canada’s democracy and freedom.
The parade, featuring the Tian Guo Marching Band and practitioners carrying banners, set off from the Place des Arts. It wound its way through the city’s busiest thoroughfares—Maisonneuve Boulevard, Sainte-Catherine Street, and Saint-Urbain Street—before finally arriving in Chinatown. There, practitioners held a rally, with speakers addressing the crowd in French, English, and Chinese to expose the CCP’s crimes to the public.
Many people took flyers the practitioners distributed along the parade route. Some stopped to listen to speeches at the rally while others chatted with practitioners to learn more about the persecution.
Public Shows Support
The parade and rally that day resonated deeply with the public, striking a chord with many onlookers.
Diana Nieto, an educator from Mexico City, watched the procession and remarked, “I saw messages of kindness and forbearance, as well as information regarding the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong. The CCP is hiding the truth, and it is important to expose it. This is beneficial for any society.”
Mark, a horticulturist from the suburbs of Montreal, was profoundly shaken upon learning for the first time about the CCP’s practice of harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners. “This is absolutely horrific—it’s not something a human being could ever do.” He thanked practitioners for exposing the atrocities and said, “Things like this need to be brought to light; people should talk about this and put a stop to it, rather than downplaying them or allowing them to remain hidden.”
Michiline, a volunteer tour guide in Montreal, was drawn to the banners displayed at the start of the procession. After speaking with Falun Gong practitioners and learning more, she said, “It is unacceptable for the CCP to carry out such repression here. This is our country—not the CCP’s—and we cannot let them do whatever they please. I believe everyone should be aware of this.”
Yahya Hallani, a student at a local university, received a Falun Gong flyer and was deeply moved after reading it. “It mentions forced organ harvesting, which made me realise how serious this is—the persecution even extends to Canada, where the Chinese community here is also being subjected to intimidation.”
He expressed his gratitude for the event, which brought this issue to his attention, and added that he intends to learn more about the situation.
Denis, an editor at a Quebec-based publishing house, was touched as he listened to the rally. He bowed to the Tian Guo Marching Band, and said, “I love their music, as well as their efforts to expose what is happening in China. I have great admiration for them. Quebec wants freedom—say ‘No’ to the Communist Party.”
Oppose Transnational Repression, Uphold Freedom in Canada
The CCP’s transnational repression extends beyond Falun Gong practitioners and targets Shen Yun Performing Arts performances in Canada.
According to the Canada Falun Dafa Association, since 2024, there have been over 30 incidents—including bomb threats that target Shen Yun performances in Canada, as well as threats to political or public figures who support Falun Gong. Some of these bomb threats have targeted the Canadian Prime Minister and Parliament Hill.
In 2025, a Shen Yun performance in Montreal was canceled due to a bomb threat. The Montreal venue that had hosted the company for years subsequently declined to continue providing space, citing security concerns after receiving a bomb threat. This May, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement emphasising that Canada will not tolerate foreign interference or acts of transnational repression. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have also been notified of these incidents.
At the rally, attendees signed a petition calling for the resumption of Shen Yun performances in Montreal, and expressed their support for artistic freedom.
“Montreal is the city where my ancestors have lived for generations,” said Michelina. “The fact that bomb threats have occurred here and performances have been canceled is simply unbelievable—I am shocked. This is not the kind of thing that should happen in Montreal.”
Marc added, “Especially in Montreal, where art, film, and freedom of expression are protected, people should exert pressure to ensure that Shen Yun can perform and the shows can be promoted.”
Nicole, a Falun Gong practitioner from Quebec, said that the threats issued by the CCP in Quebec are part of a broader campaign to suppress Shen Yun and Falun Gong. She said she hopes the company returns to Quebec. “We live in a democratic society, and we have autonomy over our own arts—that is, the right to decide what is presented in our theatres.”
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