Thank you.
I know a lot has been written in our national media with respect to the extravagant nature of this acquisition. There was a quote from Global Affairs that I appreciate is not attributable to anyone here, but I wish to read it into the record:
The residence currently used for the Head of Mission and Consul General in New York—
—this is the Park Avenue property—
—was purchased in 1961. Last refurbished in 1982, the apartment does not meet new building codes nor the [Global Affairs] standards.
The purchase at West 57th is listed as follows: There is “[a]n elegant entry foyer [with] white macauba stone floors”.
Is that a requirement for the consul general of Canada?