"Pay for Access" to Government is Wrong

It's frankly disgusting.

And we agree entirely with Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West.

He wrote a scorching letter to the Union of B.C. Municipalities president Arjun Singh which criticizes the annual UBCM fall convention as it takes sponsorship money from the People's Republic of China!

Yes it does!

Here's the story from Michael Smyth at The Province published on June 23, 2019.

But...from the People's Republic of China!  Really?!

And here's Mayor West's full letter to the UBCM.

And Mayor West isn't the only one opposed.
In his recent book "Claws of the Panda:  Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada", author Jonathan Manthorpe listed the UBCM sponsorship as just one way China seeks to control Canadian politicians.

Manthorpe says the UBCM China reception and sponsorship is inappropriate.

"It is unacceptable that B.C. municipalities would foster a cosy relationship with representatives of a foreign, one-party state," Manthorpe said.

Singh, UBCM president, said B.C. mayors and councillors are only interested in economic development opportunities with China.  He doubts China is exerting any influence or control over local B.C. politicians.

Many people agree with Smyth's byline:  "Beijing's sponsorship of annual fall conference criticized as unethical".

"Sounds as though the NDP has learned 'pay for access' from the previous Liberals in B.C.,"  Kia would've stated.

Yup, and it's wrong.
Because Mayor Brad West is correct!
So's Manthorpe! 

Do the right thing, UBCM, and cancel China's "contribution" with a polite no thank you!