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 (centre front) poses with members of the Ontario Provincial Legislature during an event commemorating the 112th National Day of the Republic of China, Taiwan, held on Oct. 5, 2023. (L–R) MPPs Robin Martin, Nolan Quinn, Stephen Lecce, Anthony Leardi, Brian Saunderson, and Ernie Hardeman. (Courtesy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto)

By Andrew Chen

Updated:October 6, 2023

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. She made these remarks during an event hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto (TECO) on Oct. 5.

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

Liberal MP Judy Sgro speaks during an event marking the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Toronto on Oct. 5, 2023. (Courtesy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto)

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,'” she 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. (Courtesy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto)

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.

Jinglin Chen, director general of TECO, Taiwan’s de facto consulate in Toronto, mentioned 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.

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