Committee Questions New York Consul General About $9M Residence, Consul General Claims No Involvement

September 12, 2024 TruthUSA

Canada’s consul-general to New York denies any involvement in the government’s purchase of a $9 million condo for his official residence in the city, following accusations made in a Global Affairs email suggesting otherwise.

Consul General Tom Clark stated before the Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) committee on Sept. 12 that he played no part in the decision-making process regarding the sale of the old residence, the purchase of the new residence, or decisions about its features and location.

In response to the email, Clark expressed surprise and clarified that the information was incorrect as he had only recently become aware of its contents.

The committee is currently investigating the government’s decision to sell its former New York residence and purchase a $9 million Manhattan condo located on “Billionaire’s Row.” Global Affairs Canada listed the former residence, last renovated in 1982, for over $13 million, requiring $2.6 million in upgrades.

According to Global Affairs Canada, the new condo is smaller and more suitable, complying with the 2021 Accessible Canada Act. The agency estimates savings of $7.4 million for taxpayers through this replacement.

Conservative MPs have criticized the purchase, highlighting the cost-of-living crisis faced by many Canadians who struggle to afford housing.

Clark clarified before the committee that he was not part of the decision-making process for the sale of the old residence or the purchase of the new one.

After Clark’s statement, Conservative MP Larry Brock raised concerns about a June 17 email from a Global Affairs employee implicating Clark in the condo purchase process.

Clark refuted the claims, stating that the individual who wrote the email was not involved in the process and the memo had been corrected to reflect his lack of involvement.

Questioned on Meeting With Trudeau

Clark faced questions regarding his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and subsequent discussions about the need for a new residence. He denied any conversations related to relocation or residence issues during their meeting.

Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie pointed out discrepancies in timelines, suggesting that Global Affairs announced residence issues shortly after Clark’s meeting with Trudeau, prompting a search for a new residence.

Clark maintained that he never discussed residence matters with the prime minister, emphasizing the large number of people present during Trudeau’s visit.

Kusie expressed concerns about the correction of the June 17 email, implying a cover-up by Global Affairs following the controversy surrounding the $9 million condo purchase in July.

When questioned by NDP MP Taylor Bachrach about the amendments to the June 17 email, Clark stood by his assertion that the information was false and contrary to other documentation presented to the committee.

Liberal MP Ken Hardie defended the purchase by comparing it to previous embassy projects that incurred substantial costs, indicating that the situation in New York was relatively modest in comparison.

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