The upcoming trip to China by Mayor Dean Fortin and other Victoria city officials has generated some lively discussion, with those against the idea pointing to the cost and the need to improve things at home.
It's always useful to question any expenditure of public money, especially when so many incidents of abuse by travelling politicians have been uncovered.
But this trip is no junket. The world economy is no longer defined only by what happens in Europe and North America. It would be utter folly to ignore the burgeoning economies of Asia. We can't survive without being part of the global market and, like it or not, that means doing business with China.
Provinces and cities across the country are constantly building ties with China, looking for trade and investment opportunities, and inviting that country's students to come here for education. One commentator noted that Chinese students bring nearly $1 million a month into the economy of Greater Victoria. If we don't pursue those links and opportunities, others will. Victoria is ideally situated for trade with Asia - it would be a mistake not to capitalize on that asset.
To be sure, it's a time for frugality and caution with taxpayers' money, but it's also prudent to keep moving ahead, and that's difficult to do if you're always circling the wagons.
