Disclosure forms document Canada’s British Columbia Liberal MLAs’ travel junkets to Taiwan and China
Canada’s British Columbian premier claims no gifts and no Kelowna residence in annual public disclosure statements
By Bob Mackin
Six of Canada’s British Columbian Liberal MLAs travelled together on an all-expenses paid trip to Taiwan last December, and two others went to China, according to their annual public disclosure statements.
MLAs must annually report, and regularly update, their income sources, assets, liabilities and gifts annually to Conflict of Interest Commissioner Paul Fraser, who files filtered reports to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
Dan Ashton (Penticton), Marvin Hunt (Surrey Panorama), John Martin (Chilliwack), Don McRae (Comox Valley), Darryl Plecas (Abbotsford South), Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver Seymour) reported receiving return airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and venue fees worth C$6,100 (US$4,579) each from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver. They visited the democratic island nation, considered a rebel province by China, from December 2-9, 2015.
Marc Dalton reported a visit to China valued at approximately C$4,097 (US$3,075) on unspecified dates last June. The return airfare, internal travel, accommodations and meals were reportedly paid for by his Maple Ridge-Mission Riding Association.