Canadian Speaker and 80 MPs attend “Taiwan Night”

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada (TECO) hosted “Taiwan Night” on February 15, 2012 at Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Two hundred guests attending the event were with various backgrounds in politics, economics, media, academia, technology, and culture. Among them were Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, 68 Members of Parliament including 7 cabinet ministers, and 12 senators.

Dr. David Lee, the Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, noted in his speech that Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections last month went smoothly and orderly, which proved that Taiwan’s democracy has matured and has earned international recognition.

Dr. Lee said that the elections were followed closely by millions of people in mainland China. Since the elections were broadcast over the internet via a live feed, mainland Chinese watched Taiwan’s democracy in action, which he believed will have a positive impact on the development of democracy in mainland China.

Dr. Lee pointed out that, he is very sure that in the next 4 years under President Ma’s leadership, the cross-strait relations will continue to be peaceful and stable, which will be conducive to the regional stability, and the bilateral relations between Canada and Taiwan will continue to prosper.

Ron Cannan, Chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper concluded the negotiations on “Foreign Investment Protection Agreement” with China last week. He hoped that Canada would start free trade talks with Taiwan very soon. Mr. Cannan also praised Taiwan’s recent elections and said Taiwan set a good example for democracy.

TECO entertained its guests with exquisite cuisine and high quality music performances presented by Canadian and Taiwanese musicians.

The theme of this year’s “Taiwan Night” was “Pop Music of Taiwan over the Ages”. Montreal-based Taiwanese singer Shaufaye performed 20 popular Mandarin and Taiwanese pop songs with the accompaniment of Ottawa’s well-known jazz band led by Mellow Dee. To top it off, the Chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Ron Cannan surprised the audience with his drumming skills by going on stage and joining the band, which was the highlight of the night!