At noon on July 24, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) hosted a luncheon for a nine-member delegation of Canadian think tank scholars. Also in attendance were DPP Legislator Ngalim Tiunn and TPP Legislator Dr. Hung Yu-Hsiang.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang first extended a warm welcome to the delegation on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). He noted that despite the geographical distance between Taiwan and Canada, both countries share core values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights, and that as like-minded partners, the bond between the two peoples remains steadfast and close.
Vice President Chiang expressed appreciation for Canada's long-standing support for Taiwan, particularly its consistent advocacy for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, as well as Canada’s concrete actions that signal its commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Vice President Chiang also conveyed the heartfelt concern and sympathy of the Taiwanese people to those impacted by the recent wildfires in Ontario, Canada, wishing the affected areas a swift recovery and reconstruction.
Vice President Chiang further highlighted that beyond shared democratic values, Taiwan and Canada enjoy increasingly close economic and trade ties, evidenced by the steady growth in total bilateral trade volume last year. He expressed hope that in addition to strengthening economic and trade relations, both sides will expand cooperation in fields such as technology and education. Emphasizing that the delegation members are all distinguished scholars with profound expertise in public policy, Vice President Chiang concluded by voicing his confidence that through their visits to various Taiwanese government agencies and universities, they would gain deeper insights into Taiwan’s local customs and culture. He encouraged the scholars to continue offering valuable recommendations on deepening bilateral relationships.
In his remarks, delegation leader Professor Jeffrey Francis Collins expressed sincere gratitude for Vice President Chiang’s warm hospitality. He shared that for many members, this was their first visit to Taiwan, and they were deeply moved by the warmth of the Taiwanese people. He mentioned that the candid and in-depth exchanges during visits to universities, industries, and government agencies were particularly meaningful.
Professor Collins further remarked that, as Vice President Chiang noted, despite the vast distance separating the two countries, the shared commitment to democracy and freedom is keenly felt. He went on to mention that during this visit, delegation members exchanged views with Taiwanese counterparts on strengthening cooperation in education, the economy, and national defense security. He pointed out that Canada faces frequent wildland fires, while Taiwan regularly contends with powerful typhoons; how the two nations build emergency response mechanisms and leverage new technologies to address extreme climate challenges represents a significant opportunity for future collaboration. Professor Collins concluded by thanking the Legislative Yuan once again for the gracious reception and expressing enthusiasm for future visits to Taiwan.
Following the remarks, Vice President Chiang raised a toast to the lasting friendship between Taiwan and Canada, officially opening the luncheon. During the meal, both sides exchanged views on wide-ranging topics, including talent exchanges, Taiwan-Canada economic relations, and national defense security. Vice President Chiang also introduced the guests to the Legislative Yuan’s commemorative Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, inviting them to experience Taiwan’s culinary culture. The luncheon lasted approximately one and a half hours and concluded successfully in a warm and convivial atmosphere. (2026/07/24)
