Canada: Labour Congress Condemn the Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners by the Chinese Authorities

The majority of national and international unions in Canada belong to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The CLC includes 12 provincial and territorial federations, and 137 district labour councils. CLC represents 2.5 million unionized workers. Below is a letter of support from the director of CLC International Department Stephen Benedict.

Canadian Labour Congress

July 18, 2003

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Canadian Labor Congress, I want to express our solidarity with you today.

Indeed, solidarity is at the centre of our values as women and men at our workplaces, in our communities, across this country and around the world.

The Canadian Labor Congress, on behalf of working women and men has repeatedly denounced the oppression and persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese authorities.

We joined with a Canadian delegation to China in the summer of 1999 in denouncing the unwarranted attacks against the Falun Gong and we will continue to do so whenever possible, just as we do whenever workers' and human rights are denied, abused or violated anywhere around the world.

Today, we salute the courage and determination you have shown in defending the principles of "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance." You do so, not only on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners, you do so on behalf of all of us!

In Solidarity,

Stephen Benedict
Director
International Department