Organized by OCAC Council Member Wayne Fan, Ken Chong, Maggie Lin,and Peter Huang a joint statement was released by 30 Taiwanese community groups in the GTA area at the cultural center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, On May 13th, calling for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA)and urging the WHO and related parties to support Taiwan's participation as an observer in the WHA, allowing Taiwan to fully participate in all WHO meetings, mechanisms and activities. This would enable Taiwan to cooperate with countries around the world to achieve the vision of the WHO Charter that "health is a fundamental human right" and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of "leaving no one behind.
Canadian federal parliament members Judy Sgro、John McKay、Melissa Lantsman 、Salma Zahid、Michael Cooper and Toronto city councilor Lily Cheng recognize the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law between Canada and Taiwan. They acknowledge Taiwan's expertise and contributions in healthcare and support Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including the WHA for the benefit of Canada and the world. Taiwan is a positive force in the international community, and its voice should be heard. Canada will continue to support Taiwan's participation in the WHA, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) until it successfully joins these international organizations.
Following the joint statement meeting, a car parade proceeded from the cultural center to the Ontario Provincial Parliament. The parade was orderly and attracted many people who cheered and gave thumbs up to the two national flags and the WHA banner on the decorated platform. In addition, a WHA image exhibition was held on the square in front of the Provincial Parliament. The exhibition featured a giant national flag, the main visual image of WHO FOR TAIWAN and TAIWAN IN WHA, and banners from Taiwanese community. The atmosphere at the event was enthusiastic, with participants shouting slogans.
