TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) arrived in Canada on Thursday (Nov. 21) on a brief, but historic visit to attend a security summit.
Tsai will deliver remarks at the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) in Nova Scotia on Friday and make a two-night stop in Toronto before returning to Taiwan. This marks the first time a former Taiwan president has visited Canada, per CNA.
Tsai arrived in Toronto on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by many overseas Taiwanese who welcomed her with banners and Taiwanese and Canadian flags. Announcing her arrival on Facebook, Tsai thanked Taiwanese and Canadian friends for their warm reception and said she would exchange views with “good friends from around the world” on issues such as democratic development and regional security.

Tsai's first stop that morning was the Maeli Market, a Kuo Hua Trading Company subsidiary with over 5,000 Taiwanese imported goods, per CNA. She then attended a welcome luncheon organized by the Taiwanese community in Toronto and delivered a brief speech.
That evening, Tsai attended a private dinner with Canadian political and academic figures.
In a Facebook post uploaded on Wednesday, Tsai said that at the forum she will deliver the keynote speech to convey to the international community the efforts and commitment of the Taiwanese to safeguard democracy and freedom. She said Taiwan will continue working with the international community to contribute to global stability and prosperity.
