The Department of Foreign Affairs defended its decision to purchase an $8.8 million Manhattan penthouse for Consul Tom Clark, describing it as "a smart investment." Blacklock's Reporter says this justification was met with strong criticism from MPs during a Commons government operations committee meeting, where the extravagant purchase was scrutinized, particularly the inclusion of a $19,000 oven.“All policies were followed,” testified Stéphane Cousineau, Senior Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister. “It was a smart acquisition. The committee hearing allows us to actually articulate how much of a smart investment this was,” he said.The committee reviewed the purchase, noting that the New York Consulate already had an official residence, a "golden age masterpiece" on Park Avenue, maintained since 1961. Instead of renovating the existing property at an estimated cost of $1.8 million, the department opted to sell it and acquire a new Central Park penthouse at four times the cost. This move also resulted in a 16% increase in taxes and fees, now totaling US$15,213 per month.Conservative MP Michael Barrett (Leeds-Grenville, Ont.) criticized the decision, stating, “The $1.8 million estimate for renovations of the old residence suddenly became insufficient. When you’re playing with other people’s money, I guess you can have as many options as you need.” He further highlighted the contrast between the purchase and the struggles faced by ordinary Canadians, saying, “We have 1 in 4 Canadians saying they are going to be using food banks this fall. We know rent prices have doubled, mortgages have doubled, and the Prime Minister’s media buddy who is making a very healthy salary by any measure compared to Canadian salaries is getting a $9 million condo for his use as a residence.”Clark, a former TV host and Ottawa publicist, was appointed Consul on February 27, 2023, with a salary of $205,000 a year.Conservative MP Kelly Block (Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Sask.) questioned why the Consulate only considered multi-million dollar properties when selecting a new residence. “Did you consider the purchase of a residence away from Manhattan in a more cost-effective neighborhood?” asked Block. “New York is a very expensive, expensive market,” replied Assistant Deputy Cousineau. When asked whether a less expensive location would impact Canada-U.S. trade or diplomatic relations, Cousineau responded, “The investment we have done is a long-term value.”The discussion intensified as Conservative MP Larry Brock (Brantford-Brant, Ont.) challenged the claim that the penthouse was a good investment. “You’re not giving Canadians the full truth here,” said Brock. “You are not being honest.” He pointed out that the penthouse was outfitted with a full suite of luxury German-made Gaggenau appliances, including a $19,000 oven. “A Gaggenau oven costs $19,000. I guess shopping at our local Leon’s or the Brick was not an option,” Brock said sarcastically.“The oven is $19,000, the refrigerator is $13,000, the coffee maker is $4,600, the freezer is $11,000, the dishwasher is $6,000. How on earth is that value for the Canadian taxpayer?”Liberal MPs defended the purchase. MP Irek Kusmierczyk (Windsor-Tecumseh, Ont.), parliamentary secretary for employment, said, “To me, this is incredible. What we have here is a better apartment. We have an upgraded apartment. We have more functionality.”.This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
The Department of Foreign Affairs defended its decision to purchase an $8.8 million Manhattan penthouse for Consul Tom Clark, describing it as "a smart investment." Blacklock's Reporter says this justification was met with strong criticism from MPs during a Commons government operations committee meeting, where the extravagant purchase was scrutinized, particularly the inclusion of a $19,000 oven.“All policies were followed,” testified Stéphane Cousineau, Senior Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister. “It was a smart acquisition. The committee hearing allows us to actually articulate how much of a smart investment this was,” he said.The committee reviewed the purchase, noting that the New York Consulate already had an official residence, a "golden age masterpiece" on Park Avenue, maintained since 1961. Instead of renovating the existing property at an estimated cost of $1.8 million, the department opted to sell it and acquire a new Central Park penthouse at four times the cost. This move also resulted in a 16% increase in taxes and fees, now totaling US$15,213 per month.Conservative MP Michael Barrett (Leeds-Grenville, Ont.) criticized the decision, stating, “The $1.8 million estimate for renovations of the old residence suddenly became insufficient. When you’re playing with other people’s money, I guess you can have as many options as you need.” He further highlighted the contrast between the purchase and the struggles faced by ordinary Canadians, saying, “We have 1 in 4 Canadians saying they are going to be using food banks this fall. We know rent prices have doubled, mortgages have doubled, and the Prime Minister’s media buddy who is making a very healthy salary by any measure compared to Canadian salaries is getting a $9 million condo for his use as a residence.”Clark, a former TV host and Ottawa publicist, was appointed Consul on February 27, 2023, with a salary of $205,000 a year.Conservative MP Kelly Block (Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek, Sask.) questioned why the Consulate only considered multi-million dollar properties when selecting a new residence. “Did you consider the purchase of a residence away from Manhattan in a more cost-effective neighborhood?” asked Block. “New York is a very expensive, expensive market,” replied Assistant Deputy Cousineau. When asked whether a less expensive location would impact Canada-U.S. trade or diplomatic relations, Cousineau responded, “The investment we have done is a long-term value.”The discussion intensified as Conservative MP Larry Brock (Brantford-Brant, Ont.) challenged the claim that the penthouse was a good investment. “You’re not giving Canadians the full truth here,” said Brock. “You are not being honest.” He pointed out that the penthouse was outfitted with a full suite of luxury German-made Gaggenau appliances, including a $19,000 oven. “A Gaggenau oven costs $19,000. I guess shopping at our local Leon’s or the Brick was not an option,” Brock said sarcastically.“The oven is $19,000, the refrigerator is $13,000, the coffee maker is $4,600, the freezer is $11,000, the dishwasher is $6,000. How on earth is that value for the Canadian taxpayer?”Liberal MPs defended the purchase. MP Irek Kusmierczyk (Windsor-Tecumseh, Ont.), parliamentary secretary for employment, said, “To me, this is incredible. What we have here is a better apartment. We have an upgraded apartment. We have more functionality.”.This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
