(Minghui.org) World-renowned Shen Yun Performing Arts arrived in Canada on March 12, 2026 for a 21-show tour, which started in Hamilton, Ontario. Prior to the performances, elected officials at various levels issued proclamations or sent congratulatory letters to welcome Shen Yun’s return to Canada. They congratulated Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary and wished the company great success. Numerous officials attended the shows and presented proclamations.
On the afternoon of March 15, a bomb threat was made before the third Shen Yun performance at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Although the police investigation delayed the performance by about an hour, the threat did not affect the audience’s enthusiasm for watching Shen Yun, and the performance was once again sold out.
On the afternoon of March 15, 2026, the Shen Yun International Company’s third performance at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Canada was once again sold out.
The assistant of Sue McFadden, Mississauga District 10 Council Member, came to the theater that day to present a proclamation on behalf of the councilor and the city of Mississauga to congratulate Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary.
MP Congratulates Shen Yun on 20 Years of Success
On the evening of March 12, 2026, Ned Kuruc (center), Member of Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, presented an award to Shen Yun at the premiere of tour performances. (NTDTV)
In his proclamation, MP Ned Kuruc wrote that over the past two decades, Shen Yun has captivated audiences around the world with its stunning classical Chinese dance, music, and stories, reviving and presenting 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and cultural heritage. The dedication to preserving and sharing China’s traditions through the performing arts has inspired countless people across continents. He thanked Shen Yun for these invaluable contributions.
“Here in the Western world, we don’t see things like this,” he said after watching the show on March 12. “I encourage everyone to come and see it because China has one of the oldest civilizations on the planet, but ever since communism stepped in, it wiped out a lot of that history.
“I think [the performers] are doing a phenomenal job,” he continued. “I was delighted. I know a little bit about Chinese history, and I learned a lot more [through the performance]. It’s an enjoyable experience to sit and walk back through time.”
Mr. Kuruc congratulated Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary, and said he would like to see it perform for many years to come.
MP: Values That Have Been Cherished for Generations
Dan Muys, MP for the Greater Hamilton Area, congratulates Shen Yun on its return to Canada. (Screenshot courtesy MP’s website)
Dan Muys, MP for the Greater Hamilton Area, sent a congratulatory video message on the occasion of Shen Yun’s opening, to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary and to welcome the artists back to Canada. He said that Shen Yun’s performances showcase the beauty of thousands of years of traditional Chinese culture through exquisite dance, music, and storytelling. These traditional values embody compassion, courage, and reverence for God. These values deeply resonate with people in Canada and around the world.
Mr. Muys said the theater was packed with guests, and he felt deep respect for Shen Yun Performing Arts which is composed of Falun Gong practitioners. “We must pay attention to the fact that Falun Gong practitioners are still being persecuted by the Communist Party for their peaceful beliefs, and the performance is also an important reminder of the importance of freedom of belief and freedom of cultural expression,” he said.
Congressman Yvan Baker sent a congratulatory letter
“In Canada, we celebrate freedom of expression and cultural diversity, and we recognize the importance of preserving artistic traditions,” MP Yvan Baker stated in his congratulatory letter. “Events like Shen Yun provide an opportunity for communities to come together and appreciate the richness of global heritage.”
Congratulatory letter from MP Connie Cody
MP Connie Cody said milestones like Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary “remind us how powerful the arts can be in connecting people, sparking inspiration, and bringing a welcome sense of beauty into our busy lives.”
MP Kelly DeRidder sends a congratulatory video.
MP Kelly DeRidder welcomed Shen Yun back to Canada, saying the performance is a “testament to the enduring power of art, tradition, and human spirit.”
“Shen Yun’s dedication to reviving China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture, while highlighting universal values such as compassion, courage, and freedom, deeply resonates with Canadians from all walks of life,” she explained in a video to Shen Yun. “Its performances not only inspire and uplift audiences, but also honour the cultural diversity and shared values that define our country.”
Proclamations from Mississauga Officials
A proclamation presented to Shen Yun by Ontario MPP Sheref Sabawy. (The Epoch Times)
On the afternoon of March 14, 2026, Ontario MPP Sheref Sabawy (second from right) presented an award to Shen Yun at the theater and watched the performance. Other officials in the photo are: Mississauga City Councilor Stephen Dasko (first from left), Mississauga City Councilor Brad Butt (second from left), and former Member of Parliament Wladyslaw Lizon (first from right). (The Epoch Times)
Sheref Sabawy, member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Mississauga-Erin Mills, wrote in his proclamation that he extends his sincere congratulations and recognition to Shen Yun Performing Arts on its 20th anniversary. “Your success is a powerful reflection of your dedication, perseverance, and commitment. Together, we celebrate the progress that you have made,” he wrote.
After watching the performance, Mr. Sabawy exclaimed, “Integrating the dimension of the infinity to the theater, and characters [that] come from the far end and then show up on the stage is amazing. The integration is amazing, the synchronization is amazing.
“Everyone is a small piece of the whole picture and everyone does his job perfectly so that we see that perfect picture—colors, lights, music, dresses, everything is very, very impressive,” he continued.
Ontario MPP: “Timeless Principles”
Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto sent a congratulatory letter praising Shen Yun. (The Epoch Times)
MPP Rudy Cuzzetto of Mississauga-Lakeshore wished Shen Yun success in its 2026 performances, and said the company continues, “To inspire audiences and celebrate the richness of Chinese culture.
“For more than two decades, Shen Yun has been dedicated to reviving and presenting China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture, arts, and values to audiences in more than 150 cities around the world,” Mr. Cuzzetto wrote. “Through music, classical Chinese dance, and storytelling, Shen Yun celebrates timeless principles—compassion, courage, loyalty, freedom, and reverence—that resonate across cultures and generations.”
A congratulatory letter was received from MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta
In her congratulatory letter, Ontario MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta wrote, “I am deeply moved and inspired by Shen Yun’s efforts to revive China’s long-standing cultural heritage and convey its enduring values to a global audience.”
She said that this milestone celebration of Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary fully demonstrates the importance of cultural diversity and highlights the positive impact of your efforts on the community.
Mayor of Mississauga: “A Stunning Theatrical Journey Time and Again”
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish sent a congratulatory letter to Shen Yun (The Epoch Times)
Carolyn Parrish, the mayor of Mississauga, said there is always a “wave of excitement and anticipation” when Shen Yun returns to her city.
“A strong promoter of Chinese artistry, culture, and performance, you have also propelled dynamic growth in the arts across Canada and Mississauga. Your extraordinary performances – by 8 companies - uplift audiences and bring new hope and inspiration,” she continued in a letter. “Your portrayal of 5,000 years of heritage provides us with a stunning theatrical journey time and again.”
Mississauga Deputy Mayor: Universal Values That Are Commendable
Mississauga Deputy Mayor John Kovac presented a congratulatory letter to Shen Yun. (The Epoch Times)
Mississauga Deputy Mayor John Kovac (center) presents a letter of commendation to Shen Yun at the theater and watches the performance. (NTDTV)
Mississauga Deputy Mayor and Councilor John Kovac said Shen Yun’s resilience and commitment to preserving traditional culture in the face of international pressures and attempts to disrupt its mission is “inspiring.”
“Shen Yun’s dedication to reviving China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture and sharing universal values such as compassion, courage, loyalty, and freedom is truly commendable,” he wrote in a letter, adding that the performances offer audiences a, “Remarkable opportunity to experience classical Chinese dance and music while celebrating cultural diversity and artistic excellence.”
City Councilor: Stunning and Breathtaking
Mississauga City Councilman Brad Butt presented a congratulatory letter to Shen Yun and watched the performance on the afternoon of March 14, 2026. (The Epoch Times)
Mississauga Councilor Brad Butt said he has had the pleasure of attending Shen Yun performances for several years in his city, and he looks forward to attending again this year.
“For two historic decades, Shen Yun has continued its mission to breathe life into 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, through stunning classical Chinese dance, beautiful orchestral performances, and breathtaking interactive backdrops that transport the audience to another world,” he said in his congratulatory letter.
Shen Yun Once Again Performed to a Packed Theater in Mississauga Despite CCP’s Bomb Threat
On the afternoon of March 15, 2026, the secretary (left) of Mississauga City Councilor Sue McFadden for District 10 came to the theater to present a proclamation on behalf of the councilor, congratulating Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary. (The Epoch Times)
On the afternoon of March 15, Shen Yun received a bomb threat before its performance at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, prompting a police investigation.
After searching the theater the police confirmed it was a hoax—this was another example of the harassment of Shen Yun performances by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) the company received in other cities. Although the incident caused a brief delay, it did not dampen the audience's enthusiasm for Shen Yun, and the performance was once again sold out.
Some audience members praised Shen Yun artists for their courage in the face of risks—how they persisted in showing the world the darkness of the CCP’s persecution while presenting ancient China’s traditional culture that is rich in spirituality.
For details on Shen Yun’s global tour, please visit: https://www.shenyun.com/.
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