Madam Speaker, next I would like to table a petition that raises concern about the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in the People's Republic of China. The petitioners begin by explaining that Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that consists of meditation exercises and moral teachings. It is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.
The petitioners state that 25 years ago, the CCP began a campaign of intensive persecution aimed at eradicating Falun Gong. It has included detention, forced labour, prison and torture and has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Two prominent Canadian human rights leaders, David Matas and the late David Kilgour, conducted an important investigation that revealed significant levels of organ harvesting. Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting has gathered many signatures on this issue and has highlighted it at the United Nations.
The petitioners want to see a stronger response from the Government of Canada to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and to see actions by Parliament to do all we can to deter it. Canada has already passed legislation to make it a criminal offence for a Canadian to go abroad to receive an organ taken without a person's consent. The petitioners want us to take additional steps, to the extent that we can, to stop this abhorrent practice.