Shen Yun supporters petition for return to Ottawa's National Arts Centre

More than 50,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for the return of Shen Yun Performing Arts to the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa. The group, Fans of Shen Yun Canada, delivered the signatures to the Prime Minister’s Office on October 2 following the NAC's decision not to host the classical Chinese dance company for the 2026/2027 season.

The NAC, a federal Crown corporation that hosted the troupe for 18 years, cited commercial reasons for the decision. However, records obtained through an access to information and privacy (ATIP) request indicate that the decision followed meetings between senior NAC management and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Canada between 2023 and 2025.

Maria Matyiku, chair of Fans of Shen Yun Canada, stated that the campaign highlights the importance of freedom of expression in the arts. The petition calls on the NAC board of directors, the Prime Minister, and federal ministers to ensure that Canadian arts institutions do not succumb to external censorship or interference.