Honourable senators, I wish to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate the people of the Republic of China, or Taiwan, on another successful democratic election. On January 13, in what marked their eighth free and democratic national election since 1996, the people of Taiwan took to the polls to determine their president, vice president and the membership of their legislature.

I extend my congratulations to Dr. Lai Ching-te, the current Vice President, on his election as president-elect, as well as to his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, on her election as vice president-elect. As they assume office this spring, I look forward to continued engagement between Canada and Taiwan to further strengthen our partnership.

I also wish to acknowledge the service of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, whose term is now concluding because of term limits. I and several of our colleagues in this chamber had the opportunity to have an hour-long audience with her in October during our Senate delegation to Taiwan. It was a privilege and a great experience.

Taiwan’s political evolution from a relatively poor and mostly agrarian society governed under martial law to the modern and democratic society that it is today is an inspiring success story of freedom, democracy and economic prosperity. Today, Taiwan is a prosperous first-world country with the most literate population on the globe and with regional leaders in individual rights and freedoms, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble and freedom to choose those who govern their country.

In my time here in this chamber and throughout my work and international travel, I have focused much attention on promoting freedom and democratic principles beyond our borders.

It is easy for us as Canadians to sometimes take democracy for granted. Canada is one of the oldest continuous democracies in the world, and for many of us, democracy is and thankfully always has been all we’ve ever known. However, what provides me perspective and what is clear to me when meeting people during my visits to relatively new democracies — such as Taiwan — is how much they value their freedom, their democracy and their right to self-determination. It is not all they’ve ever known — that is evident and inspiring.

Colleagues, it is wonderful to see that despite the obstacles and uncertainties that challenge its freedoms, independence and survival, Taiwan has emerged as one of the great democracies in Asia. My sincere congratulations to the people in the Republic of China. May democracy continue to thrive in a free and independent Taiwan.

Thank you.