EDITORIAL – UBCM delegates should boycott Chinese gov’t’s hospitality
Arjun Singh at 2018 UBCM convention. (Image: UBCM)
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.
THE UNION OF B.C. MUNICIPALITIES is under fire from some of its own members this week over a reception put on for delegates to its annual convention each September.
The UBCM is the group that speaks for B.C.’s mayors, councillors and regional district directors. The event in question is a shindig thrown by the People’s Republic of China for convention attendees.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West indignantly points out that the Chinese government not only hosts a reception but pays the UBCM to be a sponsor. The UBCM president, Kamloops Coun. Arjun Singh, has confirmed the sponsorship is worth $6,000.
Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Spineless B.C. and Canadian politics are our problem. China will take over completely if allowed to.
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How is China an unfriendly nation? Most of the lower mainland is now Chinese…is that a problem? We love to buy a great deal of items manufactured in China…is that a problem? Chinese have been buying a great deal of real estate in BC…is that a problem? We are spending billions for a pipeline for oil for China…is that a problem? They want to sponsor a party attended by local politicians…are the local politicians willing to sell their integrity for that little?
But really…who is causing the problems?
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