Keep the Republic of China (Taiwan) Flag at Memorial Park in Hope, BC

On January 26, 2026, the District of Hope Council voted to replace the Republic of China (Taiwan) flag at Memorial Park with a sign indicating the direction to the City of Taipei.

For many Taiwanese Canadians, this flag is not about politics, it is about identity, belonging, and recognition within Canada’s multicultural community. For years, the Taiwan flag has stood peacefully as a symbol of inclusion, cultural respect, and community presence. Its planned removal has caused deep concern among residents and supporters of diversity across British Columbia and Canada.

This issue is not about geopolitics. It is about dignity and the right of communities to be seen and respected in shared civic spaces.

Replacing the Taiwan flag with a sign pointing to Taipei is not an equivalent solution. Taipei is a city, Taiwan represents an entire people. Taiwanese Canadians come from across Taiwan, not from one municipality. Removing the flag replaces representation with a direction and asks a community to accept diminished visibility in a space meant to celebrate multiculturalism.

Canada’s multicultural values are built on inclusion and respect for diverse identities. The presence of the Taiwan flag does not conflict with federal policy, it reflects the heritage and people who call Canada home. Local community spaces should celebrate cultures, not erase them.

We respectfully ask the District of Hope to:

• Retain and continue to display the Taiwan flag at Memorial Park
• Engage in open dialogue with the Taiwanese Canadian community
• Uphold inclusion, cultural respect, and community recognition

Let Hope be remembered as a community that chose inclusion over exclusion, and people over politics.

Sign to support respect, representation, and belonging.