The UBCM has voted not to take foreign sponsorship for events

There will not be a reception hosted by the Chinese consulate at next year's Union of BC Municipalities convention

PORT COQUILTAM (NEWS 1130) – Foreign governments – including China – are now banned from sponsoring events at the annual convention for BC mayors and city councillors.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West heavily campaigned against the controversial policy that allowed foreign donors at the Union of BC Municipalities, because he believes it gave the Chinese government too much access to mayors and city councillors.

“China has been allowed to gain influence in our country and around the world and other countries, because not enough people are willing to have consequences for their actions. They’ve been able to take two Canadians hostage. They’ve been able to do deplorable things around the world and have basically zero consequence for that,” he says.

.@ubcm no longer accepting funding from foreign governments. Decision stems from public outrage over reception hosted by Chinese consulate at annual meeting of mayors and city councillors from across #BC. More details coming @NEWS1130 https://t.co/ZRdXJsRF4L — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) November 27, 2019

West credits public outrage for the UBCM changing its tune.

“The alternative is, you basically have sold your soul, you stand for nothing, and you have basically waved the white flag of surrender,” he says. “I don’t want to frame this decision as some sort of major blow against the government of China, but in the context of everything that’s happening in the world, we need more levels of government in Canada and in other countries to be willing to say, you know what, there are going to be consequences to the horrific things that the government of China is doing.”

.@BradWestPoCo who spear-headed campaign against what he believes is a conflict of interest says this decision sends a message to #China “You can’t buy your way to the front of the line!” #bcpoli #UBCM — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) November 27, 2019

UBCM President Maja Tait issued a statement acknowledging members have been clear about what change is needed.

“I am very appreciative of the work of the Review Panel to engage broadly with local governments in B.C. to solicit input on the financing of our annual meeting,” said Tait in a news release. “As our membership evolves, our practices and procedures need to keep pace. UBCM’s Executive has received this report and has adopted all of the recommendations for implementation at our next Convention.”

Recommendations made by a review panel include making sure all future UBCM conventions are held on a cost-recovery basis and all sponsorships will be vetted.

Meanwhile, UBCM executives have no plans to keep unions or corporations from backing certain events.

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