End persecution of Falun Gong
Petitioners ask Canada to demand China end persecution of Falun Gong, sanction responsible officials, and protect targeted communities. The government responds that it has raised concerns, imposed sanctions, and is cooperating with partners.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would press China publicly and affirm Canada's human-rights stance, increasing international attention on Falun Gong abuses.
- Sanctions and accountability measures could deter officials and create paths for redress against human-rights violations.
- Enhanced domestic protections would better shield Falun Gong communities in Canada from harassment, intimidation, and foreign interference.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Publicly confronting China could strain diplomatic and economic relations, affecting broader Canadian interests.
- Sanctions may have limited effect on behaviour and risk retaliatory actions that harm Canadians or bilateral ties.
- Focusing resources on these measures may divert attention from other priorities or be more effective if coordinated multilaterally.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA We, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to urge the Government of Canada to call for the end of the persecution of Falun Gong in China and to take stronger measures to combat the Chinese Communist Party's transnational repression in Canada. WHEREAS: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has engaged in a 26-year campaign of eradication against Falun Gong practitioners, who follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance; Falun Gong practitioners in China have suffered severe human rights abuses, including mass arbitrary detention, torture, killing, and forced organ harvesting on a large scale; In Canada, Falun Gong adherents have been subjected to transnational repression and foreign interference by the CCP, including harassment, surveillance, intimidation, disinformation, and other forms of sabotage; Recent incidents include bomb and shooting threats targeting Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance and music performance presented globally by the Falun Gong community that showcases the traditional China before communism and also exposes the CCP's atrocities; The G7 leaders have condemned transnational repression as a serious threat to fundamental rights and freedoms, nationals security, and state sovereignty. THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to proactively deploy all possible avenues to: 1. Publicly call on the Chinese regime to end its persecution of Falun Gong in China and transnational repression abroad; 2. Continue to impose sanctions on and pursue accountability for CCP officials and proxies responsible for these human rights violations; 3. Take stronger measures to protect the Falun Gong community targeted by foreign repression.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant The promotion and protection of human rights are a core element of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in engagement with the People’s Republic of China. Canada consistently calls on China to respect, protect, and promote freedom of expression, assembly, association, and religion or belief for all. Canada has publicly voiced concern about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and raises its concerns privately with relevant Chinese authorities whenever possible. This is reaffirmed in Canada’s multilateral engagement on human rights, including at the United Nations. On January 23, 2024, during the Universal Periodic Review of China at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada specifically referenced Falun Gong practitioners when calling on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance. These issues are not isolated, but rather part of a broader pattern of systemic repression. Canada continues to be gravely concerned regarding the human rights violations committed in China that are well-documented. These violations lie within the greater frame of China’s government-led systematic campaign of repression against religious and ethnic minorities that include Falun Gong practitioners. This is why on March 21, 2021, Canada enacted the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations in response to the gross and systematic human rights violations committed in the People’s Republic of China. Canada has continued to apply targeted measures in response to these violations. On December 10, 2024, Canada utilized the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations to impose sanctions against eight senior officials implicated in grave human rights violations, including those committed against Falun Gong practitioners. These individuals are former or current senior officials of the People’s Republic of China involved in gross and systematic violations of human rights in the country. These actions reflect Canada’s broader commitment to addressing transnational repression and promoting accountability. Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a coordinated international response and raise awareness of transnational repression: the use of threats, intimidation, or coercion by a state or its agents against individuals or communities beyond its borders to restrict rights, silence dissent, or influence activities, often employed against groups such as Falun Gong practitioners. At the June 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, all seven leaders issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about actions by states or their proxies employing transnational repression. The statement reaffirms the protection of individuals targeted for their affiliations or beliefs. Canada continues to work with its closest international partners, consult with civil society, and engage affected communities, including Falun Gong practitioners, to protect vulnerable communities, defend Canadian sovereignty and uphold the universality of human rights including freedom of religion or belief. Canada also actively safeguards democratic institutions and protects communities from foreign interference. The 2024 Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference identified attempts by foreign actors, including state-affiliated entities, to intimidate and coerce diaspora communities, among them Falun Gong practitioners. The Government of Canada is implementing the inquiry’s recommendations to strengthen protections, enhance transparency, and support affected communities, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to fundamental rights, democratic integrity, and the rule of law. Canadian officials will persist in urging the Government of China to uphold the rights of its citizens, take meaningful steps to improve the human rights situation, and fulfill its international obligations.