FGS Toronto
February 23, 2024

The second Day of the Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, February 11, a steady flow of visitors came to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and pay homage to the Buddha, participating in the "Lunar New Year Dharma Service". Among them was a prominent guest, Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Poilievre was greeted by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and Mabel Lam, President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, who led him and other guests in offering flowers to the Buddha. Venerable Chueh Fan presented gifts with Lunar New Year Greetings, the book “Buddha Land in the Human World: The Making of the Buddha Memorial Center” and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year greetings of 2024 “May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful” to Poilievre.

As a kind gesture, Poilievre delighted attendees by singing the Chinese song "Happy New Year" in the Dining Hall, extending his wishes for happiness and prosperity to everyone. Before departing, Poilievre paused to read the explanation of the Lunar New Year Happiness Bell, solemnly ringing it three times to express his wishes for world peace, prosperity, and harmony.