President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of January 9 met with a group of visiting parliamentarians from Canada. At the presidential office, President Chen expressed a welcome to the visitors on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan). President Chen especially mentioned that in just three days, Taiwan will hold polls to elect members of the Legislative Yuan. He said he is delighted that the group decided to visit Taiwan at this time, as it enables them to witness and understand the accomplishments of democracy on Taiwan.
The president said that 2008 is a year of important elections on Taiwan. Seventy days after the parliamentary elections are held, Taiwan will hold its presidential election. Competition among the candidates vying for office is already quite heated, he said. The president added that this year's parliamentary elections will be held according to Constitutional amendments that were passed in 2005, which mandate halving the number of seats in the legislature. The voting process has also been changed to the method adopted by many advanced democratic nations, namely a single-district two-vote system. The president said that the changes will undoubtedly have a major impact on the political future for many people.
President Chen said that the Canadian government emphasizes the fundamental rights of freedom of belief, liberty, democracy, rule of law and justice. Just like Taiwan, Canada also respects the market mechanism. Recently, Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper disregarded pressure from China and had a meeting with the Dalai Lama in his office. President Chen expressed his admiration on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan for the stance taken by Prime Minister Harper. In addition, over the past four years, Canada's Parliament has passed six resolutions supporting observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA). During the WHA, Canada's Minister of Health even advocated Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. President Chen expressed his gratitude for these actions.
The president said that Canada and Taiwan maintain close relations. Taiwan is Canada's fourth largest trading partner in Asia. In June of last year, Taiwan lifted import restrictions on Canadian beef and in October of last year, the two countries resumed economic and trade consultations. These events have helped to bolster trade and economic ties. Meanwhile, Taiwan is the seventh largest source of tourists for Canada, while Canada is the fourth most popular destination for study for Taiwan students studying overseas. Given this situation, the president said he hopes the guests will use their influence to help in changing regulations in order to provide visa-free courtesies for people from Taiwan, just like those provided by Japan to Taiwanese.
The visitors expressed their thanks to President Chen for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. They also praised Taiwan's democracy, adding that they will continue to support Taiwan's democratic development. They will also work to promote cooperation between the two nations that will promote further friendly relations.
The Canadian delegation included Member of Parliament Carol Skelton and her husband, Member of Parliament Raymond Chan and his wife, Member of Parliament George Furey and his wife, Member of Parliament Monique Guay and her husband, and Member of Parliament Jean-Yves Roy. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Donald MacIntosh and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Secretary Benjamin Y.P. Liang. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung.