Critics raise questions about China’s reception for B.C. municipal leaders

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After a heavy day of policy discussions about housing affordability, energy conservation and the importance of a robust and free media, municipal politicians were invited Wednesday evening to wind down and network with their colleagues from across the province at several receptions.

Like most conventions, the Union of BC Municipalities gathering relies on sponsors to host its professional and social events. The sponsors include groups large and small – law firms, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Province of British Columbia, Shaw Communications. On Wednesday evening, the Chinese consulate played host to a reception, the only foreign government to do so.

The consulate's hospitality has raised the eyebrows of China watchers, though some municipal politicians scoffed at any suggestion of impropriety, noting the consulate has hosted the reception for the past six years.

Josh Gordon, assistant professor at the School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University, said the reception should raise concerns. "Governments don't generally just do these kinds of things out of the kindness of their hearts, so clearly there is some kind of agenda. In pursuit of what objectives is hard to say." Prof. Gordon said in an e-mail.

Kerry Jang, a Vancouver councillor and the chair of UBCM convention committee, argued the reception is not a gift, but an occasion for municipalities and cities to establish economic ties with China.

He noted that smaller communities don't have the budgets to allow councillors to go on trade missions, so the reception is a low-cost way of forming connections. "It's just a way of helping municipalities do economic development," he said.

Mr. Jang said the Chinese government approached UBCM a few years ago to express their interests in hosting a reception. "They have done it a couple of years now, in which they get to know [various] councillors and what opportunities exist. Nothing sinister, nothing bad."

Mr. Jang added that anyone who wants to make a contribution to UBCM needs to do it through the their trade show, but UBCM refuses contributions from groups that are "overly or clearly political."

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie also said he saw no problems with the reception.

"I don't agree with the concern. There are many many different groups [and] organizations will host receptions at UBCM," said Mr. Brodie. "Officials from foreign governments will invite politicians from every level to various events because it's important to keep those networks and channels open."