Mélanie Joly defends controversial $9 million purchase of condo in New York

The Canadian government recently acquired a $9-million condo in New York City to serve as the residence for its consul general, replacing an aging property from 1961. The purchase has sparked scrutiny from the Conservative Party, which has called for the consul general, Tom Clark, to return to the Commons committee for further questioning regarding concerns he reportedly expressed about the condo's suitability. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly appeared at a committee hearing to defend the acquisition as essential for diplomatic operations in a key location for Canada. Joly emphasized that the investment aligns with practices of other countries and that proper procedures were followed in the purchase process.