Hon. Michael L. MacDonald moved second reading of Bill S-277, An Act respecting a framework to strengthen Canada–Taiwan relations.

He said: Honourable senators, it is my pleasure to rise today to begin discussions on Bill S-277, the Canada–Taiwan relations framework act, which I tabled in this chamber late in 2023.

The bill before us today takes an important step forward in our relations with the Republic of China, or Taiwan, as it is increasingly called, by establishing a broad framework for our foreign policy that is clearer and stronger, in order to better reflect and accommodate the realities of our growing partnership.

There is nothing particularly controversial about this bill, unless you are a Beijing apologist who insists that Taiwan does not have the sovereign right to decide its own future. Taiwan’s existence as a self-made, independent, self-governing and democratic nation has long been self-evident. This is a reality that should be embraced by all democratic countries and freedom-loving people. Taiwan is a free country that should remain free to choose its own future and its own government.