"Mini Canada, in Asia." 107 National Day ROC Taiwan brings celebration to Toronto

All eyes were on Taiwan last Friday evening (Oct 5) as the Taiwanese community and supporters gathered at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel to celebrate the 107 National Day The Republic of China (Taiwan). 

There to mark the occasion and promote Taiwan as a tourist destination was Catherine Hsu, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto. 

“Taiwan is a mini Canada in Asia – you can imagine all the things you enjoy here, we have in Taiwan,” Hsu told PAX at the elegant reception, which filled the Royal York Hotel’s Imperil Room and foyer with more than 150 guests, ranging from Taiwanese locals and officials, dignitaries and representatives from Ontario’s provincial and municipal levels of government. 

Highlighting Taiwan’s democratic society and robust economy, Ms. Hsu encouraged Canadians to see her country for themselves. “Our people are very friendly, the landscape in Taiwan is terrific,” Hsu told PAX. “We have a high-speed rail that allows our visitors to travel to any corner of Taiwan in a convenient and speedy way.” 

PAX recently visited Taiwan on a whirlwind tour to explore its national parks, monuments and markets. “The street food [in Taiwan] is my favourite,” Hsu told PAX, citing beef noodle soup, oyster omelets and stinky tofu (“It’s actually very tasty and good for your health,” Hsu noted) as some of her favourite dishes. 

Other notable guests of the night included Hon. Senator Thanh Hai Ngo and Mrs. Ngo; Hon. MP Judy Sgro, Chair of the Canada Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group; Hon. MP John McKay; MP Deborah Schulte; Hon. MP Peter Kent; and Hon. MP Colin Carrie. 

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