Global Affairs Canada 'very proud' of $9M NYC condo purchase, says consul general Tom Clark didn't influence
CTV
Canada's consul general in New York Tom Clark did not influence the government's decision to purchase his new official residence, a senior Global Affairs Canada official told MPs Wednesday.
Canada's consul general in New York Tom Clark did not influence the government's decision to purchase his new official residence, a senior Global Affairs Canada official told MPs Wednesday.
"There was no influence from Mr. Clark. He was not involved in the consultation or decision process," said senior assistant deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada Stéphane Cousineau.
After it came to light last month that Canada bought the new $9 million piece of luxury real estate within the world's thinnest skyscraper on "Billionaire's Row," opposition MPs balked at the optics of the purchase and prompted a series of hearings in Ottawa.
Today, Cousineau told the members of Parliament probing the official residence relocation that the government is "very proud," of the transaction. This, he said, is because the new condo is "conveniently located" near key office buildings in the heart of the United States' "economic centre," and was purchased at a reduced price.
Though, GAC officials also sought to downplay the characterization of the condo and its amenities, stating the residence Canada purchased is "not in the skyscraper."
The consul general's new condo is located on the 11th floor of the 84-storey tower, within an older part of the building that's been renovated known as Steinway Hall. However, officials conceded the residence shares the same coveted address.
"It feels like a little bit of splitting hairs," said NDP MP Taylor Bachrach, who went on to ask if GAC considered the risks of locating the consulate in a building with a "controversial" construction record.
