Conservative MPs want Tom Clark to answer more questions about $9M condo purchase

Conservative MPs are calling for New York Consul General Tom Clark to appear once again before a parliamentary committee following the release of documents revealing that he expressed concerns about the suitability of his official residence in the city.

The controversy surrounding the $9 million luxury apartment purchase, which became public in July, has drawn criticism from opposition MPs. They argue that the acquisition is overly extravagant given the financial pressures facing Canadians.

MPs have been investigating the purchase for several months, consulting with real estate experts, staff from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who appeared before the committee on Tuesday.

The committee has learned that the new apartment, intended as the official residence for the Canadian consul general in New York, is 50% cheaper to operate annually and cost $4 million less than the previous residence, which is now up for sale.

Clark's Statement on Residence Suitability
During his appearance in September, Clark stated that he "had no role whatsoever in either deciding to sell the former residence or buying the new one" and emphasized that all decisions were "completely undertaken by the property bureau in Ottawa."

Clark's testimony came after Stéphane Cousineau, a senior assistant deputy minister at GAC, assured MPs that the decision to purchase a new official residence was "policy compliant, well-documented and exempt from any influence, including from Mr. Clark."

However, a recent report has raised questions, citing a GAC document from May 2023, obtained through access to information laws. The document reveals that Clark had expressed concerns about the completion of the kitchen and refurbishment work, stating that the unit was "not suitable to be the [consul's] accommodations." It also notes that the old residence did not have an "ideal floor plan" for "representational activities." Clark assumed the role of consul general in New York in February 2023.

In light of this, Conservative MPs on the committee have moved a motion to have Clark return to answer questions about the May 2023 document. The committee hearing was adjourned before a vote could be taken, and debate on the motion will resume during the next committee meeting.

Earlier, Joly clarified that she was not involved in the decision to acquire the new official residence and only learned of the purchase through media reports. Under Treasury Board rules, her approval would only have been required if the residence purchase exceeded $10 million.

Cost and Operational Details
GAC officials explained that the previous official residence, located on Park Avenue, was purchased in 1961 and had last been refurbished in 1982. It was in need of significant updates to meet current accessibility and building standards. Updating the old apartment was estimated to cost $2.6 million. Furthermore, the condo board at the Park Avenue building had expressed dissatisfaction with official functions being held in the apartment.

In August, GAC officials reported that the decision to purchase the new residence would save taxpayers over $7 million over the lifetime of the property, due to its lower purchase price and operating costs.

Ongoing Investigations
GAC has confirmed that the process of replacing the official residence in New York began in 2014. As part of the regular consultation process, the mission had provided input regarding the suitability of the Park Avenue residence for operational use, but GAC officials emphasized that this input did not influence the final decision to relocate.

The office of Tom Clark in New York has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received yet.