Senior public servants have been called to a House of Commons committee to explain the government's decision to buy a $9-million condo for the consul general in New York. People look out at the New York City skyline at sunset, Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Jersey City, N.J. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Julia Nikhinson
OTTAWA – Senior public servants have been called to a House of Commons committee to explain the government’s decision to buy a $9-million condo for the consul general in New York.
Conservative MP Michael Barrett called the residence “excessive” and “opulent,” and questioned why the foreign affairs minister was not made aware of the purchase.
Samantha Tattersall, a senior Treasury Board official, says her department did not need to review the purchase because it was under $10 million.
According to documents filed with the committee last week, it’s likely that Canada will actually make a profit on the sale of its old Manhattan residence.
That Park Avenue apartment has been listed for sale at $13 million.
Global Affairs Canada says it was last renovated in 1982 and would need significant upgrades to comply with accessibility legislation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2024.
