A parliamentary committee has voted to resume its investigation into the controversial $8.8 million purchase of a luxury Manhattan condo for Canadian Consul General Tom Clark, despite opposition from Liberal MPs who say Parliament should focus on more urgent matters.Blacklock's Reporter says by a narrow 5 to 4 vote, the Commons government operations committee agreed to reopen the case, which had been paused due to the April 28 election. Conservative MP Kelly McCauley, chair of the committee, said it was important to finish the work and file a final report. “I seek consent to re-establish this study, that the evidence received last session be deemed to have been received in this session, with instruction to our analysts to write the report so we can actually get the report written and submitted to the House,” said McCauley, who represents Edmonton West..Clark’s official residence — a Central Park penthouse featuring a marble bathroom, quartzite floors, a $4,600 German coffeemaker, and more than US$15,000 a month in condo fees and taxes — came under scrutiny last year.MPs at previous hearings accused Clark of misleading the committee about his role in the purchase.“He personally complained his taxpayer-funded residence wasn’t up to his standards because it didn’t have a luxury kitchen,” said Conservative MP Michael Barrett during a November 5 hearing.Liberal MP Jenna Sudds said the committee should move on.“We have more emerging and pressing issues that are coming to light now,” said Sudds, who represents Kanata, Ontario..Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau supported the motion to reopen the inquiry. “I think it’s very important to know what happened,” she said. “Then we can move on.”Conservative MP Tamara Jansen said Canadians deserved answers.“I think it’s really disrespectful to the Canadian taxpayer if you spend all this time and money on a study and then don’t finalize it with a report,” said Jansen.Access To Information records revealed Clark used the penthouse to host catered luncheons, including a 2023 three-course meal with daycare advocates that cost $1,920. Another luncheon for the Canadian Journalism Foundation included wine service.Clark, who earns $205,000 annually, told the committee last November that he would not resign and stood by his statements. “Everything I have said is the truth,” he said.
