Conservative MPs want Tom Clark to answer more questions about $9M condo purchase
Conservative MPs are pushing for New York Consul General Tom Clark to make a second appearance before a parliamentary committee following the release of documents revealing his concerns about the suitability of his official residence in the city. The purchase of the new $9 million luxury apartment sparked criticism from opposition MPs who deemed it overly lavish considering the financial challenges faced by Canadians.
The committee has been conducting an investigation into the purchase for several months, hearing from real estate experts, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) staff, and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who testified before the committee on Tuesday. It was revealed that the new apartment, intended to serve as the official residence for the consul general of Canada in New York, costs 50% less to maintain annually and was $4 million cheaper than the previous residence, which is now up for sale.
During Clark’s previous appearance in September, he denied any involvement in the decision to sell the old residence or acquire the new one, attributing all decisions to the property bureau in Ottawa. However, a recent report by Politico cited a GAC document from May 2023, obtained through access to information law, which contradicted Clark’s statements. The document indicated that the current consul general expressed concerns about the new apartment’s kitchen and refurbishment project, deeming it unsuitable for official accommodations.
Conservative MPs on the committee have motioned for Clark to appear again to address questions regarding the May 2023 document, although the vote was postponed. In her testimony, Joly clarified that she had no role in the decision to purchase the new official residence and only learned about it through media reports. Treasury Board rules dictate that her approval is only required for residence purchases exceeding $10 million.
GAC officials explained that the old Park Avenue apartment, purchased in 1961 and last refurbished in 1982, required significant updates to meet current accessibility and building standards, estimated to cost $2.6 million. The decision to purchase a new residence was projected to save taxpayers over $7 million in the long run due to lower acquisition and operational costs. Despite attempts to reach Clark’s office for comment, there has been no response thus far.
GAC disclosed that the process to replace the official residence began in 2014, with input provided by the mission regarding the suitability of the old Park Avenue residence for operational use. However, this input did not influence the final decision to relocate the residence. The ongoing debate surrounding the purchase of the new luxury apartment continues as MPs seek further clarity on the decision-making process.
