Vice President Chiang expressed his heartfelt welcome to the delegation followed by introducing the three legislators from different party caucuses. On behalf of President Daniel Han, Vice President Chiang apologized for not being able to welcome the delegation in person due to an important cross-party negotiation and asked for their understanding. Vice President Chiang also expressed President Han’s warm welcome to the delegation led by MP Judy Sgro, Chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade and thanked her for her longstanding support on various issues. In particular, she once again spoke publicly in May this year to support Taiwan’s participation in World Health Organization, a genuine friend of Taiwan.

Vice President Chiang continued to thank the Canadian government for supporting Taiwan’s participation in various international organizations such as World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and others. At the end of May, he will lead a cross-party delegation to Geneva to convey the message to the international community that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the global health system and hoped that Canada will support Taiwan in World Health Assembly and relevant meeting and its participation in international medical and health system. Vice President Chiang stated expressed his hope to visit Montréal, the headquarters of International Civil Aviation Organization in the future. 

Vice President Chiang continued to thank Canada for the Indo-Pacific Strategy released on November 27, 2022 and for underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for increasing the frequency of navy patrol to maintain regional peace, demonstrating the shared values and interests of Taiwan and Canada. Taiwan will continue to defend democracy and peace in the Indo-Pacific region and will strengthen its reciprocity and cooperation in economics and trade with Canada. He stressed that Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement signed in December 2023 laid a solid foundation for further deepening economic and trade cooperation. Canada is the rotating chair of CPTPP commission. He hoped that the Canadian government will take this opportunity to support Taiwan’s accession. He also suggested that Canada will form a parliamentary task force to promote Taiwan’s participation in CPTPP. 

In her speech, Chair Sgro stated that it was an honor for her to lead a delegation to Taiwan once again. It meant a lot for the delegation to attend the inauguration of the 16-term president and vice president. She congratulated Taiwan for a successful election again. She further stated that even though democracy is threated, if the people have strong will, they shall prevail. She fully understanded its will to participate in international organizations, and will urge the Canadian parliament to introduce resolutions to support Taiwan.

This year, Canada will continue to support Taiwan’s participation in World Health Organization and World Health Assembly to enable Taiwan to make contributions to international community with medical profession. She agreed that strengthening economic and trade cooperation is an important issue. Canada underscored the principle of consistency, honesty and fairness. This is the shared value with Taiwan. During Canada’s chairmanship, it will do its best to assist Taiwan to make progress in joining CPTPP. She expected to have more cooperation with Taiwan in cybersecurity to share information and to confront cyberattacks.

On behalf of KMT, Legislator Chang Chia-chun showed her welcome to the delegation and thanked Chair Sgro for her recognition of Taiwan’s contribution to global health. Canada is an important international friend of Taiwan. In addition to provide staunch support to Taiwan’s international participation, both sides are each other’s important trading partner. In the future, it will cooperate with Canada to make efforts to protect human rights, freedom and democracy. She also introduced her hometown Yunlin is an important agriculture county. In this Legislative Yuan, the female legislators account for 41% of the total seats. She wished the delegation a fruitful stay in Taiwan.    

On behalf of DPP, Legislator Chen Pei-yu welcomed the delegation. She stated that her job mainly focused on children and juvenile welfare before she was elected as a legislator. She pointed out that there are many issues related with Taiwan’s next generation, that needs to rely on international assistance. She is grateful for Canada’s support for Taiwan’s international participation, democracy and freedom. She mentioned that May is a pleasant month to travel. She hoped the delegation will have a pleasant stay in Taiwan.

Legislator Mai Yu-chen stated that Taiwan is a pluralistic society. She thus has the privilege to serve as Taiwan People’s Party legislator to serve the society. She especially praised the quality products made in Canada. She hoped that the delegation enjoys Taiwan’s tasty agricultural products. She would do her best to assist Taiwan’s agricultural products to export to Canada to promote bilateral trade and further strengthen cordial relations.