OTTAWA — Global Affairs Canada officials claimed that the recently purchased luxury condo for Canada’s consul general in New York Tom Clark represents “significant financial savings” in the long run and that they are “very proud” of this transaction. They also said that Clark did not influence the government’s decision to purchase the piece of real estate, and that the final choice came down to cost effectiveness. Stéphane Cousineau, a senior assistant deputy minister, told a House of Commons committee on Wednesday that the new official residence, purchased at the cost of $9 million, would in fact represent up to $7.
4 million in savings for taxpayers. “The replacement of the official residents in New York was carefully planned and executed,” he said. “An aging asset is being replaced with a well located, smaller and more cost-effective property, positioning Canada to meet both current and future needs.
” Cousineau said that the former residence is now listed on the market for over $13 million — $3.9 million higher than what was paid for the new residence. He also said the purchase meant avoiding $2.
6 million in renovation costs and $115,000 in annual operational fees. The testimony from GAC officials did not convince the Conservatives who have been blasting the government for acquiring a new luxury condo for Clark, a former broadcaster, who they claim is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “buddy.” Clark acted as a moderator for the Conservative Par.