By Minghui reporter Yingzi

(Clearwisdom.net) On the night of January 13, 2008, the Divine Performing Arts company presented the first show of the NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular in Ottawa, Canada. John Baird, the Canadian Minister of the Environment and a Member of Parliament, along with Pierre Poilievre, a Member of Parliament, and another 200 Parliament members, city council members, local artists, scholars, educationists, and representatives from local Chinese communities came to the reception before the show.

The theater was full for the first show of the NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular in Ottawa

John Baird, Canadian Minister of the Environment and a Member of Parliament, spoke at the reception

Cyril Dabydeen, a renowned Canadian poet, shared remarks at the reception

Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament, gave a talk at the reception

Reception before the show

John Baird, the Canadian Minister of the Environment and a Member of Parliament, said at the reception that we probably don't realize how lucky we are. "The Divine Performing Arts will hold the Chinese New Year Spectacular shows on four continents, and we are so lucky that they came to Ottawa, the capital of Canada."

Mr. Baird said that the show would be splendid because it would present China from a very different viewpoint, one that is based on the traditional values from the rich Chinese culture.

Mr. Baird commented on the rich history and culture of China and noted, "We are fortunate to be able to learn more about real Chinese culture. Just like all the cultural shows, this one has important messages for everyone."

Cyril Dabydeen is a renowned Canadian poet. He was literary juror in 2000 for the Canada Governors' General Award for Literature, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, and the James Lignon Price Competition. He said at the reception that he was amazed by the show last year. He said it showcased the rich culture and strong values from the oldest civilization in the world. Mr. Dabydeen appreciated the chance to see the show again this year.

After the show, Pierre Poilievre, a Member of Parliament, said he thought it was splendid. He was impressed by the color, music, and collaboration between the actors. He said he was amazed by the skill of the director and the advanced techniques used in the show.

MP Poilievre was particularly impressed by the dance that depicted the persecution of Falun Gong. He said, "We must stand up to stop the persecution" and that the show clearly imparted this information to the audience in an artistic way.

Mary Jo Lynch, chief of International Affairs at Carleton University, especially liked the "Mongolian Cups" dance. She said it was excellent and incredibly graceful.

Ms. Lynch commented on the importance of culture and history, because they can connect different peoples. She said that she would recommend the show to her friends, and hoped that she could see the show again.

The show has received many letters of congratulation from the politicians in Canada, including Stephen Harper, the Canadian PM; Michelle Jean, the Governor General of Canada; Stockwell Day, the Minister of Security; Jim Flaherty, the Minister of Finance; Diane Finley, the Minister of Immigration; Jason Kenny, the Minister of Multiple Culture; Rahim Jaffer, the chair of the Conservative caucus; David Onley, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; and Larry O'Brien, the Mayor of Ottawa.