Leader of the Canadian Alliance Stephen Harper Voices Concern For Falun Gong Practitioners Being Persecuted in China

March 24, 2003

Dear Mrs. Willey:

Thank you for your letter of February 2nd. I am pleased to have this opportunity to respond.

The Canadian Alliance believes that Canada can and should play a major role in fostering and protecting human rights. We will continue to speak out against human rights abuses around the world, and will do what we can to bring pressure to bear on those governments in a way that will benefit their citizens and global neighbours.

I have received many letters and e-mails from Canadians concerning over the way Falun Gong practitioners are treated in China. As you may know, Scott Reid, Canadian Alliance Member of Parliament for Lanark-Carleton, as well as other members of our caucus, have taken a keen interest in the safety and well-being of those detained for practising Falun Gong. I am deeply troubled over the treatment that these individuals receive and sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution that sees the human rights of those who practise Falun Gong respected.

The Canadian Alliance will continue to urge Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham to do all he can do to impress upon the Chinese government the importance of upholding basic human rights.

Thank you once again for taking time to write.

Sincerely,

Stephen Harper, M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Canadian Alliance