Two weeks ago, Taiwan announced a donation of 50,000 medical-grade face masks to the Governments of Alberta and British Columbia, as part of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This was made alongside a donation of 400,000 medical-grade face masks to the Canadian federal government and a donation of 50,000 medical-grade face masks to the Province of Ontario, for a total of 500,000 face masks to the country’s frontline medical personnel and indigenous communities.
As the Representative Office of Taiwan in Western Canada, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver (TECO Vancouver) is proud to announce that the distribution of Taiwanese masks to Alberta has been successfully undertaken. On Wednesday, May 13, Director General Andy Chen of TECO Vancouver donated 25,000 face masks to the Province of Alberta, following a meeting with Premier Jason Kenney. Premier Kenney expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Taiwan for fulfilling its pledge to support Canada in its valiant fight against the pandemic.
Over the course of the meeting, Director General Chen outlined the factors which were key to Taiwan’s success in curbing COVID-19: the government’s ability to mobilize both public and private sectors to ramp up the production of personal protective equipment and overcome difficulties. This donation of medical masks highlights Taiwan’s strengths in stopping the spread of the virus and willing to help. Director General Chen has also reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to share its expertise in pandemic prevention with liked-minded countries. Noting that the universal sharing of information across borders is crucial to overcome any public health crisis, Director General Chen also looks forward to continued support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). Only with inclusion of Taiwan’s health experts can the international community fully realize the well-being and development of the international community, in line with WHO’s mission statement of providing Health For All.
Taiwan values its friendship with Alberta and British Columbia in line with the rest of Canada, and looks forward to working with its Albertan and British Columbian counterparts to strengthen cooperation in all areas.
