DEVOLIN TO LEAD DELEGATION TO TAIWAN

May 17, 2006


OTTAWA – Local MP Barry Devolin has been asked to lead a Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to Taiwan from May 20 to May 27.

“Initially, I was pleased just to be a member of the delegation. Then, I was surprised and honoured to be asked to lead it,” said Devolin. “Taiwan is an important friend of Canada and democracy in Asia, as well as an increasingly important trading partner.”

“Traditionally, the leader of any parliamentary delegation comes from the governing party,” explained Devolin. “As such, I’m proud to be the first Conservative to lead a Canadian group to Taiwan in more than a decade.”

This trip is part of an ongoing effort by the government of Taiwan to develop relations with advanced nations around the world. Taiwan is proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish economically and democratically in recent years, and they want to show it off.

“I admit I’m nervous about representing Canada in a private meeting with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian,” admitted Devolin. “I hope the time I spent working in South Korea will help me to remember all the important elements of Asian protocol.”

“I look forward to seeing how a free market and democracy work in a Chinese state,” said Devolin. “In 2000, as part of a Team Canada trade delegation to mainland China, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how communism and a centrally controlled economy functions. Now I’ll get to see and hear the other side of the story.”

One issue sure to be raised is Taiwan’s desire to gain “observer status” in the World Health Organization. This has taken on greater important in recent years as a result of the SARS crisis and growing concern about the Avian Flu.

“Taiwan is also an important market for many Canadian exports, including beef and other food products,” said Devolin. “Asian tastes are changing, and this trend represents a growing trade opportunity for Canadian farmers.”

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office based in Ottawa has organized the visit and will cover all costs of the trip, including travel between Canada and Taiwan. 

- 30 -

For more information contact:
Barry Devolin, MP 
(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881