Taiwan's National Day celebrations in Vancouver turned into a show of political support, with Canadian lawmakers pushing for a trade deal and a tougher line on China — good news for Taiwan's standing in Canada.

• A gala dinner drew 400 people from business, academia and the Taiwanese community, plus several federal MPs and a former Canadian trade minister.
• MPs called for Canada and Taiwan to sign a trade cooperation deal soon as Canada tries to depend less on a few big trading partners.
• Lawmakers warned about China's military threats against Taiwan and its attempts to interfere in Canadian politics, and backed Taiwan joining UN-linked bodies.
• Taiwan's representative said Beijing twists a 1971 UN resolution to shut Taiwan out, and pitched Taiwan's chip and AI strength as a reason to deepen ties.
• Weekend sports events, including a pickleball tournament and a community games day, pulled in hundreds more across different ethnic groups and ages.

Outlook: Pressure will keep building for Ottawa to sign the Taiwan trade deal, though Canada's China relationship remains the sticking point.