Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Yes, I have presented this new motion. As I indicated, it is relative to receiving further clarification to the letter we received today, again, with the understanding when we arrived that we would discuss the previous motion I presented.
As it was raised on Tuesday, the consulate general of Canada in New York notified Global Affairs that the unit at 550 Park Avenue “required immediate replacement”, as it was indicated both here and in the House, and that, “The current [Consulate General New York, Head of Mission] expressed concerns regarding the completion...of the kitchen and refurbishment project”. He indicated that the unit was “not suitable” and that the accommodations did not have “an ideal floor plan for representational activities.”
These terms “not suitable” and “required immediate replacement” seem to fly in the face of the testimony he provided here previously. It is for that reason, Mr. Chair, that we're following the precedent we've followed several times when we received information that was contrary to what a witness testified at committee previously: We're recalling him.
In an attempt to have Mr. Tom Clark come here and provide some clarification, and perhaps even clear the air—unless the government is hiding something additional around this, which I suppose is possible—and in light of this incredibly disappointing tactic today, it seems to me that we should really resolve this as soon as possible. Let's get to the understanding that the majority of people on this committee would like to have Mr. Clark return to allow him to clarify his position. I believe it is the desire of this committee to understand that.