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Should B.C. mayors and councillors take cash from the government of China, especially when Chinese relations with Canada are so bad?

It’s a question that’s been debated publicly for a few weeks, ever since the Union of B.C. Municipalities confirmed it accepted a $6,000 sponsorship from the Chinese government.

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But there’s been even fiercer debate behind the scenes, as B.C. mayors argue among themselves over taking the loot.

Brad West, the outspoken mayor of Port Coquitlam, kicked the public discussion into high gear with a blistering letter to the UBCM executive.

“It’s a cash-for-access scheme,” West said, pointing out the Chinese government has also scheduled a splashy catered reception for mayors and councillors at the UBCM convention this September.

The UBCM executive — clearly feeling the sting of the public criticism — plans to review the sponsorship and reception at its next meeting.