The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto hosted a reception for the 110th anniversary of the Republic of China at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on the evening of October 8.
Speaking at the reception, Director General Chen thanked the Ontario government and all the staff involved for their hard work and dedication to the success of Canada's epidemic prevention efforts, which made it possible for the reception to go smoothly at the night. DG Chen told the audience that with the concerted efforts of the government and 23 million people, as well as the support of like-minded countries around the world who have donated vaccines, Taiwan has effectively contained the epidemic and boasts the highest economic growth in the world, with a 3.11% economic growth rate in 2020 and an estimated 5.88% this year. As countries around the world struggle to recover from the epidemic and revive their economies, Taiwan officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on September 22nd this year, which will further expand the mutually beneficial relationship between Canada and Taiwan. DG Chen called on the Canadian community to support our participation. She also hoped that Taiwan and Canada would work together to contribute to the post-epidemic recovery of the world economy.
DG Chen emphasized the challenges Taiwan faced over the past two years, not only from the epidemic, but also from the threat to democracy and freedom imposed by China. Up to last Friday (October 1), China had continued sending nearly 150 military aircrafts to infiltrate the airspace around Taiwan within four days. In the face of China's threat of force, Taiwan has stood firm on its values of freedom and democracy and has continued to improve its self-defence capabilities, calling on Canada and the rest of the world to pay more attention to the importance of Taiwan's stability and prosperity, as maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait will ensure Taiwan's ability to continue to supply the chips needed for a wide range of global products, from cars to smartphones.
Speaking on behalf of the Taiwanese community in the Greater Toronto Area, Mei-Ling Lin, Commissioner of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission thanked President Tsai for leading Taiwan in achieving the nation's success in epidemic prevention and economic development, which has been a source of honour for all the nationals abroad and at home.
Canadian dignitaries in attendance included Judy Sgro, Chair of the Canada/Taiwan Parliamentarians Friendship Association, MPs John McKay and Melissa Lantsman, several Ontario ministers and deputy ministers, as well as Toronto Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Oxford County Warden Larry Martin and the county's three mayors, and Chief Jim MacSween of York Regional Police. In their remarks, those dignitaries praised Taiwan's upholding of the values of democracy and freedom, as well as its proud achievements in epidemic prevention and economic development. They also pointed out that Canada should take action to help maintain Taiwan's security as China continued to threaten Taiwan's peace and stability with its military aircraft. In addition, the VIP guests also called on the Canadian government to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, such as WHO and ICAO, and endorse Taiwan’s application for the CPTPP.
The National Day Reception featured a video entitled "2021—Taiwan, Bringing People Together" and a poster introducing Taiwan's achievements in the areas of epidemic prevention, democratic diplomacy, economic innovation and cultural heritage to the international community. In addition, Taiwanese violinist Tania Cheng Tong and Ho Deng Music Ensemble were invited to perform at the reception, allowing guests to celebrate the Double Ten Day while enjoying a musical feast with Taiwanese characteristics.
This year's National Day Reception was held in compliance with Ontario's COVID-19 public health measures and advice and was a seated dinner, unlike the receptions held before the epidemic, so the number of guests invited was limited. The office hopes to invite more Canadian friends to celebrate with us next year when the epidemic is over.
DG Chen cuts the National Day Cake with the VIP guests
DG Chen gives her National Day speech
DG Chen poses with the Chair of the Canada/Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Judy Sgro and MP Melissa Lantsman during the National Day Reception
