The Canadian federal election took place last month. The Liberal Party, led by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, won the election against all odds and strong rivals.
Not only did it retain its position as the largest party, it also won 165 seats in the Canadian House of Commons despite lagging behind in pre-election polls by about 20 percent.
This victory was no fluke, but the result of the Liberal Party’s adherence to national sovereignty, and facing up to external threats and internal anxieties.
This political landscape mirrors the situation of Taiwan, which has been facing suppression from China and social divisions over the years.
The course of the election campaign had been shadowed by US President Donald Trump’s repeated “tariff bullying” and threats to make Canada “the 51st state of the US,” and mocking the nation’s sovereignty.
These rude and humiliating remarks triggered a strong backlash among Canadians and allowed the Liberal Party, which advocated a tough stance against the US and upheld national dignity, to gradually win over voters’ trust and turned the table.
Canada demonstrates the rationality of a democratic country with its votes: In the face of authoritarian intimidation and challenges to its sovereignty, adhering to core values is the only way to unite people.
Taiwan’s situation is similar to Canada’s.
The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) military threats, diplomatic suppression and information warfare against Taiwan has been constant; over the past few years, it has also leveraged economics, trade and proxy forces to subvert Taiwan’s social order from within.
Instead of making compromises, it is better to learn from Canada and respond to external bullying with a straightforward and firm attitude, while deepening democratic governance and promoting social reforms at home, so that people agree that defending sovereignty and caring for people’s livelihood are not in conflict, but are national directions that can work hand in hand.
The Liberal Party’s campaign is a reminder that in the face of public’s dissatisfaction with government policies, those in power do not need to rush to cater to or change their approach.
Instead, they should strengthen their value discourse and bring the focus back.
When Carney reiterated that Canada is not a vassal of the US and adamantly opposed any infringement of its sovereignty, he was not accused of “provocation,” but won more recognition. This is the core strength of democratic politics: honesty in the face of challenges and the courage to speak out the collective feelings of the public.
As Taiwan is facing great geopolitical pressure, it should more confidently speak out in the international arena. Canada has proved that a government that dares to speak out, is good at communication and sticks to its position can overcome external crises and internal unrest, and win greater public support.
Teo Hsia is a government official.
Translated by Lin Lee-kai
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