I am arising on my first morning in Taipei, Taiwan.
On December 22, Margaret and I drove to Armstrong to catch VIA rail, which was supposed to depart toward our Vancouver destination at 9 pm. We finally boarded at 6 a.m., as a combination of super-cold weather and getting bumped onto sidings by CN freights put it 9 hours behind schedule, which never did get made up. But regardless we had a wonderful 2.5 day excursion, highlighted by superb VIA meals, wonderful VIA staff, and lively companions of a wide range of social and economic strata. We took the train rather than fly for several reasons. It is the most energy efficient way for travel, it is a great way to experience our magnificent Canadian geography, and it was a first-hand opportunity for an MP to assess the challenges and opportunities facing VIA rail.
We arrived in Vancouver late on Christmas day, met with a variety of organizations regarding issues concerning Canada’s energy future, as well as with fellow Green MP Elizabeth May. Then we flew to Taiwan, which is the free and democratic small portion of China on the island formerly known as Formosa. While less than a third of the area of my riding, it has over 23 million citizens! I am part of the Canadian Parliamentary Delegation invited by the Republic of China (Taiwan), composed of two Conservatives, two NDP MP’s, and myself as the newest member of the Green Caucus in the House of Commons. I will be here for a week before returning to Canada. There is no cost to the Canadian taxpayer, as Taiwan is covering most of our costs, and I am covering any remaining costs.
The agenda is very full. We will be meeting with a variety of government Ministers, including Education, Agriculture, Defense, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Economic Affairs. As well, we will be meeting with the President of Taiwan. I am seeking business and trade opportunities for Canada and northwestern Ontario. For example, like most modern countries, Taiwan has fast, efficient, safe, comfortable (and “on time”!) high-speed passenger rail. I will also meet with the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.
The other important mission for this MP is to learn more about the draft Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is a proposed huge trade agreement among many Pacific Rim countries, including the USA and Canada. The Harper government has been quite secretive about the details of this proposed treaty, refusing to share them with most MP’s, including their own backbenchers. I see this as an opportunity to learn more about this treaty from one of the potential partners. Trade agreements have huge potential for benefits... and for problems. I hope to hold the Prime Minster to account in both regards. While the treaty is many years away from adoption, having input in the early stages can help to prevent future problems, and optimize the benefits to Canada.
I will be back in the riding on January 11, and will spend the time from then until the House sits on January 26 meeting with constituents throughout the riding. I wish a very happy, safe, and prosperous New Year to everyone in Thunder Bay-Superior North and northwestern Ontario.