With the federal election now in full swing, we as Canadians now have to confront our inability to have a competitive and innovative economy. If we are susceptible to economic coercion by Donald Trump or anyone else, a key weakness is our lack of ability to create wealth and growth in our economy.
When I was Canada’s Industry minister under Prime Minister Harper, this was a concern even then. But now, with our GDP per capita in the middle ranks and dropping in industrialized nations, and cost of living something most Canadians care about, one can see why this could be the sleeper issue in the campaign.
I recently had the privilege of visiting Taiwan, speaking at the eighth annual Yushan International Forum held in Taipei. I left deeply impressed by the country’s dynamism, resilience, and technological leadership. Taiwan is not just a beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific, although it is most certainly that. It is also a global powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. As Canada looks to position itself as a leader in the AI-driven economy—and as party leaders look to build solutions for Canada’s anaemic economic performance—Taiwan stands out as an ideal partner, one that brings not just cutting-edge technology, but also significant capital investment potential.
During my tenure as Canada’s minister of Industry, I was responsible for attracting international investment, promoting innovation, and positioning Canada as a competitive player in the global technology landscape. Under Prime Minister Harper, I spearheaded Canada’s cloud-first strategy, championed open government policies, and led efforts to modernize government operations with paperless cabinet meetings using iPads—policies that were ahead of their time and laid the foundation for a more tech-forward public sector. Given this experience, I can say with confidence that Canada’s future in the AI supply chain will be significantly strengthened through deeper collaboration with Taiwan.
Taiwan’s technological edge and investment potential
Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing is well known, with companies like TSMC leading the global market. This expertise is critical for AI, as semiconductors are the backbone of AI computing and cloud infrastructure. Canada, for its part, has world-class AI research institutions, a skilled workforce, and a growing AI startup ecosystem. However, to fully realize our potential, we need stronger industry partnerships, capital investment, and supply chain resilience—all of which Taiwan can help provide.
From a geopolitical standpoint, it is also in Canada’s best interests to diversify its supply chains away from over-reliance on a single source. Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values, intellectual property protection, and transparent business practices makes it a far more reliable and strategic partner than other players in the region.
A strategic alliance for the future
There is a real opportunity for Canada and Taiwan to form a formidable partnership in the AI supply chain—one that would not only drive economic growth but also reinforce technological security in an era of global competition. By fostering even closer ties, Canada can position itself as a trusted AI and semiconductor hub in North America while giving Taiwan a stronger presence in Western markets.
The time for action is now. After the campaign dust settles, Canada must move beyond cautious diplomacy and actively engage with Taiwan as an economic partner. Whether through bilateral investment agreements, research partnerships, or AI infrastructure collaborations, the opportunities are vast—and mutually beneficial.
Canada has always thrived when it embraces innovation and bold partnerships. That’s what this election campaign must be about to secure a better future. As someone who has worked at the intersection of policy, investment, and technology, I believe that a stronger Canada-Taiwan alliance is not just desirable, but essential for both countries to remain competitive in the AI-driven future.
