Canadian Mayor Continues Fight to Have Association of Municipalities Refuse Chinese Money

“I think the fact that the only foreign government that does this is, is China, is even more troubling.”

People hold signs calling for China to release Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig during an extradition hearing for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver on March 6, 2019. Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

For Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, saying no to sponsorship by a regime that has arrested Canadian citizens, caused losses to Canadian business, and continues to suppress human rights at home is a question of principle.

That’s why he’s not giving up on calling for the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to reject Chinese money after the association decided in favour of allowing the Chinese Consulate to sponsor its convention this year.