On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Director-General Andy Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Vancouver donated 25,000 medical face masks to the British Columbia government on May 4 2020 in front of the B.C. government Vancouver Cabinet Office in support of Canada’s frontline health professionals to fight against the pandemic. The donation was received by the Minister of Citizens' Services Anne Kang and Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen. Minister Kang presented a thank letter to Director-General Chen on behalf of B.C. Premier John Horgan.
Director-General Chen explained that these medical masks are all made in Taiwan and delivered directly to Canada by air. Disease knows no borders, countries around the globe must show solidarity and work together when facing this global crisis. Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is also helping. He hopes that Canada will continue to support Taiwan ’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) so that Taiwan and the international community can unite to face together tough pandemic-related challenges.
Taiwan government announced on April 28 to donate a half-million medical masks to Canada, with 400,000 going to the Canadian government, and another 50,000 to Ontario, 25,000 to Alberta and 25,000 to British Columbia. The masks are to be distributed to front-line healthcare workers and First Nations peoples.
This is part of the latest wave of donations undertaken by Taiwan. The initiative is consistent with Taiwan’s goal of supporting the global community at a time when cooperation is sorely needed.
By taking concrete action, Taiwan has demonstrated its determination to stand with British Columbia and Alberta in this battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
From left: Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen, TECO Vancouver Director-General Andy Chen, Minister of Citizens' Services Anne Kang
