“Your success is a powerful reflection of your dedication, perseverance, and commitment. Together, we celebrate the progress that you have made,” wrote Mr. Sabawy, member of provincial parliament (MPP) for the Mississauga-Erin Mills riding in Ontario.
Noting that Ontario’s “spirit is exemplified through dedication, good character, and community leadership,” Mr. Sabawy said, “we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you.”
“It is the dedication of individuals like you that ensures our province continues to thrive and prosper,” his congratulatory letter read. “We celebrate your progress and look forward to witnessing your future success. We offer our deepest appreciation of your invaluable and ongoing contributions to our community.”
‘Wave of Excitement’
Several other lawmakers in Mississauga also sent greetings letters to Shen Yun, congratulating the company on its 20th anniversary and its return to Canada as part of its 2026 global tour.Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said there is “always a wave of excitement and anticipation for Shen Yun and its artists” when the show returns to Mississauga each year.
She noted that Shen Yun has “propelled dynamic growth” in the arts across Canada and Mississauga, as the performances promote Chinese artistry, culture, and performance.
“We are always enriched from your offering of traditional Chinese culture, arts, and values. Your portrayal of 5,000 years of heritage provides us with a stunning theatrical journey time and again,” Ms. Parrish said.
‘Truly Commendable’
Mississauga Deputy Mayor John Kovac said he was pleased to acknowledge Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary and applauded the performing arts company’s “continued efforts to educate, uplift, and inspire audiences across Canada and around the world.”“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,” Mr. Kovac wrote in a letter. “Your performances offer audiences a remarkable opportunity to experience classical Chinese dance and music while celebrating cultural diversity and artistic excellence.”
‘Timeless Principles’
MPP Rudy Cuzzetto, of the Mississauga-Lakeshore riding, wished Shen Yun success in its 2026 performances, noting that 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 said in a letter.
‘Focused on History’
Former MP Wladyslaw Lizon, who was also at the Shen Yun performance in Mississauga on March 14, said that although he has seen the company perform several times before, “this one is quite different from the past ones.”“It does refer to current times and politics, but it’s really focused on history, on different dances from different groups, both from regional and ethnic groups,” Mr. Lizon said after the show.
Mr. Lizon said he is “truly surprised” that the CCP tries to “cut off the roots of the tradition that’s several thousand years old.”
“That should not be happening, because whatever happened in the past, we cannot change. We should be proud of it and build on it, not destroy it.”
“We still have to remember that people in communist China are persecuted, Falun Dafa and other groups are persecuted, [for their beliefs that don’t align with the current policies,” Mr. Lizon said. “I truly hope that this ends soon,” he added.
‘Beautiful Orchestral Performances’
Mississauga city councillor Brad Butt said he has had “the absolute pleasure” of attending “captivating” Shen Yun performances for several years in Mississauga.“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,” Mr. Butt wrote in a greeting letter.
“Mississauga is a world-class city, with a thriving arts and culture scene that is at the heart of the city and embedded everywhere. We are so fortunate to host world-renowned performances like Shen Yun that provide high-quality artistic and cultural experiences to our residents and visitors.”
