Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly defended the purchase of a $9 million condominium for the New York City consulate in a parliamentary committee, calling it a necessary investment.
For an hour, the Liberal minister pushed back against accusations from Conservative committee members who accused the government of wasting taxpayers’ money on luxury apartments for billionaires in Manhattan.
“This wasn’t a political decision, because it was an operational decision. And there were a lot of people, my staff, who came to see you and said that,” Jolie said of government operations and he said, referring to his earlier testimony before the Standing Committee on Estimates.
In a series of heated exchanges, Conservative MP Michael Barrett denied that the current New York Consulate General and former journalist Tom Clark had been involved in the decision to purchase the new official residence at the previous committee. He accused him of lying in his testimony.
Citing documents obtained by Politico Canada, Barrett said, “He has privately complained that his taxpayer-funded homes did not meet standards because they did not have luxurious kitchens or perfect floor plans. I am aware of that,” he said.
Three months after the appointment, the Consulate General of Canada in New York City told the entity that manages the ministry’s properties that 550 Park Avenue was “not a representative”, according to a 2023 Global Affairs Canada investigation obtained by CTV News. It is not suitable for any activity or as a residence and must be replaced immediately.”
The report notes that the current residence is inaccessible to residents and guests with disabilities. “The only accessible route into the building is from the back street, through the back entrance, and into the service elevator,” according to the May 2023 document.
Clark denied any involvement in the purchase of the new home when he testified before a Congressional committee in September.
“It was all done by the Real Estate Board of Ottawa,” Clark said. “I have no involvement in the selection of new properties, equipment or locations.”
In July, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed that the department had purchased a room in the Steinway Tower at 111 West 57th Street. The condo will be used for “entertainment events such as networking receptions, official briefings, and discussions with business and political figures.” leaders,” GAC spokesperson Jean-Pierre Godebau wrote in an email.
The current home on Manhattan’s Park Avenue was last renovated in 1982 and is in need of extensive renovations and repairs, estimated to cost $2.6 million, according to the federal government.
The home’s public price was $13.1 million, and officials told the committee that the real estate agent who handled the sale was satisfied with the development of the file. “He has received 38 different inquiries, eight viewings from potential buyers, and many questions from other real estate agents he has visited,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Robin.・Mr. Dubo said. Canada’s Minister of Real Estate and Infrastructure Solutions (ACM) for International Affairs.
Minister Jolie emphasized the importance of Canada’s presence in New York City, noting that Afghanistan and Bangladesh are the only two countries that do not have diplomatic missions on Manhattan Island.
“We decided to make an important investment because we know that all the countries of the world are gathered in the United States, especially in New York,” Joly told the committee. I wanted to confirm.”
The minister also noted that other allies such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France and Japan are investing tens of millions of dollars in new official residences in Manhattan for diplomatic missions.
“We need to be there because our like-minded partners, the Five Eyes and the G7, are also there,” Joly said.
