One lucky Burnaby councillor is heading to China for an art exhibit.
At the Feb. 17 meeting, Burnaby council approved a one-time return economy ticket for a council representative to attend the Canadian Art Expo from April 15 to 22 in Guiyang Guizhou, China.
"The (international relations and friendship cities) committee agrees that this opportunity to participate in this cultural event meets the goals and objectives of Burnaby's International Sister and Friendship Cities program," a city staff report states.
The councillor will accompany a delegation with representatives from the Burnaby Artist Guild and Federation of Canadian Artists.
"The committee has advised that representation to accompany the delegation is feasible during this time period with accommodation, meals and ground transportation provided by the Chinese government," the report states.
Airfare funding is available through the committee's budget.
Travel costs were a big-ticket item in the 2012 budget for the mayor and councillors.
In 2012, Mayor Derek Corrigan claimed $10,700 in travel expenses, which was up from the $4,220 claimed in 2011. He went on a sister-city visit to China and Taiwan.
Coun. Sav Dhaliwal claimed the most in travel expanses in 2012 - $11,377. His travel expenses were due to attending various meetings, including for the Union of B.C. Municipalities and Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Dhaliwal passed on the Taiwan and China trips.
Councillors Richard Chang, Anne Kang and Paul McDonell claimed more than $7,000 each for their trips to China and Taiwan.
Coun. Dan Johnston claimed $1,161 for a sister-city visit to Arizona, as well.
