MPs Condemn Cancellation of Shen Yun Shows in Toronto After Fake Bomb Threat Organizers Say Beijing Is Behind

Conservative MP Marc Dalton rises in the House of Commons in Ottawa on May 28, 2021. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Several MPs are speaking out to condemn the cancellation of Shen Yun performances in Toronto over a fake bomb threat, saying that the disruption of the shows amounts to suppression of freedom of expression on Canadian soil.

“These threats have been a tactic worldwide to derail this production in the past couple of years. I have tickets to attend next week in Vancouver and look forward to it,” Conservative MP Marc Dalton said on social media on April 2.

Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance company based in New York, has a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Its performances, carrying the tagline “China Before Communism,” feature story-based dances showcasing China’s history and legendary figures, as well as scenes showing the present-day persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Dafa by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Audience members outside the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto on April 1, 2026. The theatre decided to cancel Shen Yun's performances over a bomb threat that the police said was unfounded. Teng Dongyu/The Epoch Times

The company, which travels the globe each year with its presentation of classical Chinese dance and music, began the Toronto leg of its tour at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on March 28, and was set to perform a total of eight shows until April 5. However, just as Shen Yun’s third show was about to begin on March 29, the theatre received an emailed bomb threat.

The police were called, and after performing security sweeps at the venue, confirmed that the threat was unfounded. However, the theatre decided not to allow the show to proceed that day. The theatre later said it decided to also cancel the remaining five shows due to concerns about the threats.

The local presenter of Shen Yun, the Falun Dafa Association of Toronto (FDAT), says there have been more than 150 incidents of fake threats globally against Shen Yun over the last two years, and each time the show was allowed to go ahead after authorities confirmed there was no real threat. The association says the threats originate from the CCP in an effort to stop Shen Yun. Taiwan police said last year that they have traced such threats received by venues in Taiwan hosting Shen Yun to Xi'an, China.

MP Dalton said that he hopes Shen Yun’s remaining Toronto performances can proceed, since police have confirmed that the bomb threats are unfounded.

“Given that the Toronto police have stated that bomb threats against the Shen Yun Chinese cultural extravaganza are unfounded and appear to be mischief, I hope that the Four Seasons Center will allow the remaining productions to proceed,” he said.

Liberal MP Judy Sgro said in a statement that she condemns the “troubling and escalating pattern of foreign-directed intimidation occurring here on Canadian soil.”

“This organization has been targeted by a coordinated campaign of threats, including false bomb threats–some of which have been traced to actors linked to the Chinese Communist Party,” Sgro said on April 3.

Sgro condemned “foreign interference” in Canada, and said she stands with those who have been targeted.

“No artist, no organization, and no community in Canada should be made to feel unsafe because of foreign pressure or intimidation,” she said. “Those who seek to erode these freedoms–whether through fear, coercion, or disruption–must be held accountable.”

The FDAT says it has offered to pay for additional security measures to allow the shows to go on, but the theatre has not agreed. The FDAT adds that this decision means more than 10,000 patrons will be unable to see the show this weekend and calls the Four Seasons Centre’s cancellation of all performances “unprecedented.” The Canadian Opera Company, which operates the Four Seasons Centre, told the media it made the decision out of an “abundance of caution.”

‘Punishing the Victim’

Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar, who has seen Shen Yun in previous years, praised its calibre and beauty, and said he’s highly concerned about the cancellation of the shows in Toronto.

“Shen Yun is something I’ve really enjoyed attending over the years. It’s a beautiful production put together by people who put a lot of hard work into it and tell a story of an ancient people really remarkably well,” Majumdar, who is vice-chair of the House of Commons subcommittee on international human rights, said in an interview.

Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar rises during question period in the House of Commons in Toronto on Nov. 3, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

“I have really big concerns about punishing the victim rather than going after the criminal,” he said, referring to the cancellation of Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre over the fake bomb threat.

Majumdar added that this act of “intimidation and violence” against Shen Yun should be confronted, and that Ottawa should take the right stance regarding the CCP rather than seek closer relations with the regime given its conduct.

Conservative MP Amarjeet Gill, who came to see Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre on March 28 and presented the dance company with a proclamation, said he was “honoured to attend and recognize the incredible artists of Shen Yun Performing Arts.”

“Shen Yun’s performances beautifully showcase the richness of traditional Chinese culture through music, dance, and storytelling. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and artistry of the performers,” Gill said on social media on April 5, adding that he’s highly concerned about the cancellation of the shows in Toronto.

“It is deeply unfortunate that the remainder of their Toronto shows were cancelled following security threats. No artist or cultural organization should ever face intimidation for sharing their heritage and traditions,” he said.

“I admire the strength, courage, and resilience of the Shen Yun performers, who continue to share their culture with the world through the beauty of their performances.”

‘Shocking and Tragic’

Conservative MP Garnett Genuis called the cancellation of the Shen Yun shows in Toronto “shocking and tragic.”

“What has happened to our country?!”Genuis said on social media on April 2.

“A classical Chinese dance and music show that a foreign government doesn’t like is shut down on our soil because of anonymous threats. We must strengthen our country in the face of these threats.”

Conservative MP Ned Kuruc, who saw Shen Yun in his hometown of Hamilton on March 12, said the show’s cancellation over a fake threat doesn’t send a good message.

Canadian Member of Parliament Ned Kuruc (C) at Shen Yun Performing Arts in Hamilton, Canada, on March 12, 2026. NTD

“If the CCP arm can reach into a simple entertainment show, that’s very, very concerning. It’s not a good message, ” he said in an interview.

“It sets precedents for people to just call and make false claims and start causing chaos in the entertainment world and cancel shows,” he added. “It’s very destructive.”

Fellow Tory MP James Bezan also condemned the fake bomb threat that caused the disruption of Shen Yun.

“This is an attack on fundamental freedoms, freedom of expression and freedom of conscience, which must be protected,” Bezan said on social media on April 1.

Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin, who saw Shen Yun on March 28, said, “Culture, storytelling, and performance have the power to preserve truth, celebrate heritage, and resist those who seek to silence it.”

“At a time when artistic expression is too often met with intimidation and pressure, it is more important than ever to stand firmly for freedom of expression through the arts,” he said.