Tom Clark, at your last appearance, you were emphatic when you stated that you had nothing to do with the decision to sell the old official residence, you had nothing to do with the decision to buy the new official residence and you had nothing to do with deciding on its amenities or its location, so let's cut to the chase.
Since 2014, plans to repair the old, luxurious official residence on Park Ave were ongoing and repairs had commenced. No other prior head of mission had demanded an immediate replacement. On February 23, 2023, your buddy Justin Trudeau appointed you head of mission in New York City.
On April 27 of the same year, just a few months later, you hosted a reception for your buddy. You posted a video to social media of the two of you in a limousine.
Around the same time, you and your office informed GAC officials, according to an ATIP request, that “the property is not suitable for representational activities...it is not suitable as a residence, and”—and I'm going to highlight this—“requires immediate replacement”. I have it right here in the ATIP request, in black and white, Tom Clark. No other head of mission to New York City had issued that directive before, other than you, Tom Clark.
We also have the infamous email dated June 17, 2024, from Emily Nicholson, which states, “Both CNGNY HOM”—that's you, Tom Clark—“and staff have been instrumental throughout this process, with the HOM”—you, Tom Clark—“providing the greenlight for the selection of the new residence.”
After your lies were exposed, you wrote to this committee and you tried to explain that your comments to officials were made in passing. Tom Clark, that's another lie. Comments made in passing might include, “How's the weather?”, “How was your weekend?” or “I guess my appearance at committee is not going very well today.” Those are passing comments.
You issued a mandated direction to your staff that was communicated to GAC officials, that the official residence on Park Avenue needed an immediate replacement. Isn't that correct?