The option of recognizing both the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC) was impossible as both authoritarian polities insisted on sole recognition.

[3] On 13 October 1970, Canada recognized PRC and suspended diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan.

[9] In October 2019, Stephen Harper visited Taipei as a private citizen to attend the Yushan Forum, promote his book, Right Here, Right Now, and give a speech that was described as a "thinly-veiled criticism of China's economic model" by the Globe and Mail.

[10] As the Canadian difficulties with China mounted in 2019, academics like Hugh Stephens suggested that the Taiwanese relationship be fostered and promoted, which he saw as being consistent with Canada's democratic values.

Top Canadian exports to Taiwan included financial services, intellectual property, research and development, travel and transport.

[15] In April 2024, Canada and Taiwan's representative offices signed a science and research arrangement to enable opportunities for commercial partnerships in high tech sectors.

[15] Taiwanfest began in 1990 in Vancouver by musical/cultural magnate Cecilia Chueh as a music festival but expanded to include various cultural events.