Pierre Poilievre Vows to Dismiss Canada’s Consul General in New York if Elected

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has declared his intention to fire Canada’s Consul General in New York City, Tom Clark, should the Conservatives win the next federal election. Poilievre criticized Clark, a former journalist, labeling him a “Liberal media hack” in response to the government’s purchase of a $9-million condominium in Manhattan.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed the acquisition of a unit in the prestigious Steinway Tower, located at 111 West 57th St. in Manhattan’s “billionaire’s row.” The condo is intended for use in “networking receptions, official briefings, and hospitality events such as discussions with business and political leaders,” according to GAC spokesperson Jean-Pierre Godbout.

GAC explained that the current residence at 550 Park Ave., Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was last renovated in 1982 and no longer meets modern building codes or departmental standards. The department recommended relocating to a “new, smaller, more suitable, and more economical apartment,” potentially saving Canadian taxpayers over $2 million in maintenance and property taxes, according to Godbout.

The 3,600-square-foot residence boasts three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a luxurious powder room finished in jewel onyx, according to a listing on the real estate website StreetEasy. Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman criticized the purchase, calling it “tone deaf” amidst Canada’s housing crisis. “I think a lot of Canadians are looking at this and saying they need a residence too, and they need somewhere to rent. Spending $9 million on an apartment at a time when Canadians can’t afford to eat or house themselves is outrageous,” Lantsman stated.

Despite the criticism, former diplomat and current Senator Peter Boehm defended the expenditure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a prominent presence in New York for promoting Canadian culture and trade. “If you want to play in the big leagues, you have to pay to some degree,” Boehm told CTV News.

Boehm acknowledged that the costs may appear high but asserted that Canada’s diplomatic residences are generally comparable to those of other nations. “Canadian heads of mission, whether ambassadors or consuls general, are housed very well and generally in the middle of the pack. Not overly lavish, but also not shabby,” Boehm added.

Over a decade ago, under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government, the Department of Foreign Affairs initiated a program to sell off and downsize several properties. This included the sale of Macdonald House at One Grosvenor Square in London for $530 million, with proceeds aiding renovations at the High Commission’s current location, Canada House in Trafalgar Square.

The controversy surrounding the New York condominium purchase underscores ongoing debates over government spending and fiscal responsibility, particularly in the context of Canada’s current economic challenges.