On the morning of April 17, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) attended the inauguration ceremony of the R.O.C. (Taiwan)-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, initiated by KMT Legislator Chen Ching-Hui. Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) also made a special appearance during a recess of the legislative session to extend his congratulations and take a group photo with all distinguished guests in attendance. Distinguished guests attending the event included KMT Legislators Fu Kun-Chi, Dr. Chang Chia-Chun, Hsu Yu-Chen, Dr. Lin Pei-Hsiang, Wang Yu-Min, Liao Hsien-Hsiang, Chang Chih-Lun, Dr. Lin Chien-Chi, Ma Wen-Chun, Wang Hung-Wei, Dr. Ko Ju-Chun, Dr. Yang Chiung-Ying, Lo Ming-Tsai, Chen Yu-Jen, Chen Hsuen-Sheng, Dr. Yeh Yuan-Chih, Lo Ting-Wei, Lin Te-Fu, Dr. Cheng Cheng-Chien, Lu Yu-Ling, Huang Chien-Hao, Liao Wei-Hsiang, Yu Hao, Lu Ming-Che, Niu Hsu-Ting, Chiu Cheng-Chun, Dr. Hsu Hsin-Ying, Huang Jen, Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, Dr. Su Ching-Chuan, Huang Chien-Pin, Dr. Lai Shyh-Bao, Dr. Hsieh Yi-Fong, Wan Mei-Ling, Dr. Ko Chih-En, and Hung Mong-Kai, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-Chi and Representative Marie Louise Hannan of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. The ceremony began with opening remarks and introductions of the distinguished guests by Legislator Chen Ching-Hui, initiator of the association, followed by remarks delivered by Vice President Chiang.
Vice President Chiang stated that he was honored to witness the establishment of the R.O.C. (Taiwan)-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association initiated by Legislator Chen Ching-Hui. He emphasized the close and friendly parliamentary exchanges between Taiwan and Canada, noting that since assuming office as Vice President of the Legislative Yuan, he has already received five parliamentary delegations from Canada. Vice President Chiang further noted that although Taiwan and Canada are geographically distant and differ significantly in territorial size, the two sides are highly complementary and have the potential to become ideal partners. He also pointed out that Canada is home to a sizable Taiwanese community, while its natural scenery and multicultural society attract many Taiwanese visitors each year. These factors, he said, reflect the deep ties between the two sides and demonstrate considerable room for further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that the significance of parliamentary diplomacy lies in its flexibility, which distinguishes it from exchanges between governments or businesses. Parliamentary exchanges, he said, allow for open communication and candid exchanges of views. Vice President Chiang expressed confidence that in the future, the R.O.C. (Taiwan)-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association will become an important platform for exchanges between the parliaments of Taiwan and Canada. He said that whether through hosting visiting Canadian parliamentarians or organizing delegations to visit Canada, such interactions are expected to strengthen bilateral relations, promote closer cooperation, and further enhance the well-being of the people of both countries.
Following Vice President Chiang’s remarks, Representative Marie Louise Hannan of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-Chi also delivered congratulatory remarks. After the adoption of the association’s charter and the election of its president and vice presidents, Vice President Chiang specially presented Representative Hannan with a ceremonial cap from the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage in Taichung, wishing her peace and success during her stay in Taiwan. The inauguration ceremony lasted approximately 30 minutes and concluded successfully. (2026/04/17)