Canada's envoy to NYC called to testify about $9M condo purchase on 'Billionaires' Row'
CTV
Canada's Consul General in New York will have to explain the government's decision to buy a $9 million condo in Manhattan's famous 'Billionaires' Row,' to a parliamentary committee.
Canada’s Consul General in New York City will have to explain the government's decision to buy a $9-million condo in Manhattan's famous "Billionaires’ Row," to a parliamentary committee.
Tom Clark, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, as well as other departmental officials, have been summoned to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to justify the government’s purchase of new unit just south of Central Park. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly will also be called if the committee deems it necessary.
In tabling the motion to call Clark and other government officials, Conservative MP Kelly Block called the purchase of the condo “disturbing but not surprising,” later adding, “We have seen the complete lack of spending controls on major procurements” with the Liberal government.
Last week, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed the department had purchased a unit in the Steinway, Tower located at 111 West 57th St. The condo will be used for “networking receptions, official briefings, and hospitality events such as discussions with business and political leaders,” wrote GAC spokesperson Jean-Pierre Godbout in an email.
“We agree that $9 million for a New York condo for the Consul General needs to be examined,” said Bloc Quebecois MP Julie Vignola, supporting Block’s motion.
“Nine million dollars is a lifetime of work for the average person,” Vignola told the committee.
The committee is also asking that the government provide a third-party assessment of the Manhattan property, if available. The motion also stipulates the department must provide a list of “all properties, including addresses and listing prices, that have been viewed or considered for purchase for the Consulate General's official residence in New York.”