Politicians Urge Stronger Ties With Taiwan on National Day Celebration Amid China Threat

Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto Jinling Chen addresses the audience during an event commemorating the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in Toronto on Oct. 5, 2023. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

Amid growing threats from China against Taiwan, politicians from various levels of government gathered at an event in Toronto to commemorate the democratic island’s National Day and to voice their support for strengthening ties.

Liberal MP Judy Sgro, who chairs the parliamentary Canada-Taiwan Friendship Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two democracies.

“It is imperative at this particular time when we are being challenged. Democracy is being challenged. Taiwan stands out as being a real light—an opportunity for other countries to learn more about democracy,” she said in a speech at the event, hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto (TECO) on Oct. 5.

“As we move forward in difficult times, we stay united as Canadians [and] Taiwanese.”

Liberal MP Judy Sgro addresses the audience during an event commemorating the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Toronto on Oct. 5, 2023. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

Ms. Sgro led a parliamentary delegation to Taiwan last October, following in the footsteps of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Ms. Pelosi’s visit drew threats from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. The communist regime announced a temporary ban on food imports from over 100 Taiwanese companies and conducted several military exercises near the island before and after her visit, leading to the disruption of dozens of international flights.

“When I asked the people of Taiwan when I was there visiting, ‘Aren’t you afraid?’ And they said, ‘No, no, we’re strong, we’re resilient, and we’re united, and we will stand up against anybody,’” Ms. Sgro said.

“You have the strength that all of us should have,” she added.

Kevin Voung, the Independent MP representing the Spadina–Fort York riding, also emphasized the importance of Canada and other democratic nations remaining united against efforts to undermine democracy. He highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to global trade and the economy, as well as its support for Canada through the donation of essential personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s why Taiwan continues to possess an important and critical position in the defence of the main tenets and freedoms that are hallmarks of a vibrant democracy,” he said.

Independent MP Kevin Vuong addresses the audience during an event commemorating the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Toronto on Oct. 5, 2023. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

Several members of the Ontario Provincial Legislature also attended the Taiwan National Day celebration, among them Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Progressive Conservatives Anthony Leardi, Brian Saunderson, Ernie Hardeman, Nolan Quinn, and Robin Martin.

Members of the Ontario Provincial Legislature address the audience at an event commemorating the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Toronto on Oct. 5, 2023. (L–R) Progressive Conservatives Nolan Quinn, Robin Martin, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, Ernie Hardeman, Brian Saunderson, and Anthony Leardi. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

The Canada-Taiwan relationship has seen a warming trend over the past year. Apart from Ms. Sgro’s delegation to Taiwan, Liberal MP John McKay and Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman each led parliamentary delegations to the island in April and July, respectively. During both visits, the delegations focused on discussions of security and trade collaborations.

In June, Conservative MP Michael Cooper introduced a private member’s bill, C-343, with the aim of strengthening Canada’s relations with Taiwan. He emphasized that this move was in the national interest of Canadians, citing Taiwan as the country’s 11th-largest trading partner and a crucial player in the manufacturing of high-tech products, including semiconductors.

Last month, a Senate bill was introduced in support of Taiwan’s increased participation in international organizations, including the CPTPP, a trade agreement in the Indo-Pacific region.

A key focus of discussion during the Canadian delegation visits was the potential signing of a Canada-Taiwan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement (FIPA). Introduced in 2021, FIPA serves as a free trade agreement model, aimed at improving the rules-based investment environment for both Canadian businesses investing abroad and foreign businesses investing in Canada. Exploratory negotiations for a FIPA between Canada and Taiwan commenced in early 2022.

Jinglin Chen, director general of TECO, Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Toronto, said during her opening remarks at the Oct. 5 event that negotiations are progressing toward their conclusion. Ms. Sgro also told The Epoch Times that results can be anticipated before the end of this year.