The state of 24 Sussex Drive is an increasingly absurd embarrassment

[Army Guy]

27 minutes ago, ExFlyer said:

The point was to demonstrate that the decay of the building had been going on for decades.

Blaming one PM, who by the way, would not even move his family in because the NCC discovered too much mould and vermin infestation.

Also, the PM is not in control of the building, it belongs, in its entirety to the NCC. They make the decisions on repair and restoration and refurbishment.

Don't be so naive, the PM cannot tell an agency to do what he wants done so he can live in a nicer place. Can you imagine the shitstorm from folk like you if he did LOL

The fact of the matter is, the building was condemned by NCC. In the past, every time there needed to be repairs, it was a national outrage about how much it cost. The NCC has neglected it now to the point something must be done and it can take many years to get it done, no matter is in power.

Maybe you can convince PP to start lobbying for repairs so he and his family can move in  ?

OK point taken, building is in bad shape...The problem is to complicated for any one government to fix...And now is turned into a health issue...  We can not fix it, or tear it down... So what is the next step, we wait for it to fall down, or wait another 8 years for NCC to get it's shit together...

NCC works for the government , and the entire government works for the PM, funney how the PM can direct pretty much every department under his control to do anything he requests , except this one, you don't find that funney...I also find it very funney that one government department would not make it one of their priorities , without even being asked...I eman we are talking about the leader of this nation...

I'm being naïve, your telling me there are no perks to being on the top of the chain of command. now who is being naïve...

And it was not a matter of the PM wanting to live in a nicer place, even you said it was a health issue... they moved him to a new local, becasue they failed on the up keep... and somehow in 8 years nobody addressed fixing it... i know things move slow in Ottawa, but 8 plus years, it is time to look at the chain of command of the NCC and perhaps replacing them... NCC aside if the NCC is incapable of fixing the problem, then why not address it in parliament, Time for a new PM residence... and despite what you may think of folks like me, what ever the f.... that means I'm pretty sure we don't want the PM living in a rat infested home with his family, I may not like the guy but he is the leader of our nation, and if we can not even give him a residence that befits that position, then what else are we incapable of... looking at the state of everything else... everything is turning to $hit.

If your going to wait until 39 million people are all going to agree on one topic, we are already done as a nation.  no wonder we can't get anything done...Holding the position of PM means making timely decisions that may or may not be popular. nobody is going to remember building it in 2 years time anyways. 

 

 

[ExFlyer]

Just now, Army Guy said:

OK point taken, building is in bad shape...The problem is to complicated for any one government to fix...And now is turned into a health issue...  We can not fix it, or tear it down... So what is the next step, we wait for it to fall down, or wait another 8 years for NCC to get it's shit together...

NCC works for the government , and the entire government works for the PM, funney how the PM can direct pretty much every department under his control to do anything he requests , except this one, you don't find that funney...I also find it very funney that one government department would not make it one of their priorities , without even being asked...I eman we are talking about the leader of this nation...

I'm being naïve, your telling me there are no perks to being on the top of the chain of command. now who is being naïve...

And it was not a matter of the PM wanting to live in a nicer place, even you said it was a health issue... they moved him to a new local, becasue they failed on the up keep... and somehow in 8 years nobody addressed fixing it... i know things move slow in Ottawa, but 8 plus years, it is time to look at the chain of command of the NCC and perhaps replacing them... NCC aside if the NCC is incapable of fixing the problem, then why not address it in parliament, Time for a new PM residence... and despite what you may think of folks like me, what ever the f.... that means I'm pretty sure we don't want the PM living in a rat infested home with his family, I may not like the guy but he is the leader of our nation, and if we can not even give him a residence that befits that position, then what else are we incapable of... looking at the state of everything else... everything is turning to $hit.

If your going to wait until 39 million people are all going to agree on one topic, we are already done as a nation.  no wonder we can't get anything done...Holding the position of PM means making timely decisions that may or may not be popular. nobody is going to remember building it in 2 years time anyways. 

 

 

Look, the PM cannot tell anyone to do everything he wants, as you seem to think. You should know how things worked, you were in the military.

Priorities, that is the key. You (or I) have no idea what is on the priority list for NCC or Heritage Canada.

The NCC kicked out the leader of the opposition and the PM moved into Stornaway.

Your arguing with me is pointless. 24 Sussex is closed and they have no idea (yet) what they are going to do. They have not decided what to do for the past decades and that is why it is what it is.

 

[Army Guy]

3 minutes ago, ExFlyer said:

Look, the PM cannot tell anyone to do everything he wants, as you seem to think. You should know how things worked, you were in the military.

Priorities, that is the key. You (or I) have no idea what is on the priority list for NCC or Heritage Canada.

The NCC kicked out the leader of the opposition and the PM moved into Stornaway.

Your arguing with me is pointless. 24 Sussex is closed and they have no idea (yet) what they are going to do. They have not decided what to do for the past decades and that is why it is what it is.

 

Military has got nothing to do with any of this, and things do not work this way in any job i have had. There was privilege's afforded to the chain of command at all levels. and one could make a few phone calls and get things done... 

So who is pulling the strings, Not sure why Justin could not talk to department heads at anytime and get things done... When the CO summoned me to his office and made some suggestions on what he thought should be done, i carried out those orders... I'm sure if the PM summoned the head of the NCC to his office and suggested that the PM residence be put on the priority list , I'm confident that would happen. a 1 min conversation to solve a 1 minute problem....

100 % right i have no idea what they set as priorities but after 8 years one would think that this one issue would have worked it self to the top...

If it takes decades to fix up one PM residence then it would send up a red flag , and i would be wondering WTF is going on in that department and ask a few questions or have someone look into it....That may be normal people like you, ...but any issue older than a decade is a failure of the chain of command at the NCC level. 

 

[ExFlyer]

6 minutes ago, Army Guy said:

Military has got nothing to do with any of this, and things do not work this way in any job i have had. There was privilege's afforded to the chain of command at all levels. and one could make a few phone calls and get things done... 

So who is pulling the strings, Not sure why Justin could not talk to department heads at anytime and get things done... When the CO summoned me to his office and made some suggestions on what he thought should be done, i carried out those orders... I'm sure if the PM summoned the head of the NCC to his office and suggested that the PM residence be put on the priority list , I'm confident that would happen. a 1 min conversation to solve a 1 minute problem....

100 % right i have no idea what they set as priorities but after 8 years one would think that this one issue would have worked it self to the top...

If it takes decades to fix up one PM residence then it would send up a red flag , and i would be wondering WTF is going on in that department and ask a few questions or have someone look into it....That may be normal people like you, ...but any issue older than a decade is a failure of the chain of command at the NCC level. 

 

OK.

You don't like my take and knowledge. Fine

Believe whatever your mind wants to.

Have a great day.

[August1991]

On 4/13/2023 at 1:27 PM, I am Groot said:

It has no historical significance. Bring in some bulldozers and push it off the edge of the cliff.

I agree Been there.

And I even walked around the infamous Trudeau pool.

True, the location is wonderful.

[August1991]

In my life, I have been to different State and government places, buildings. You know, Versailles and so on.

I happen to like our federal parliament in Ottawa - Centre Block. While the entry is small, it has a large public place in front.

And please keep the stone floors.

====

The White House has no entry; and small public place.

Argentina has a large public place in front - but a controlled entry.

Moscow's Red Square has a large public place - but controlled entry.

[August1991]

Let's go parliament - and federal Canada.

The PM lives in Quebec - Meech Lake.

The residence of the Official Opposition is 24 Sussex - opposite the GG.

====

The Brits have 10 Downing Street.

We have Stornoway. What do the Australians have?

 

[CdnFox]

4 minutes ago, August1991 said:

We have Stornoway. What do the Australians have?

 

The lodge. That's what its' called.  I'm not even kidding here.

[blackbird]

How much money has been wasted on 24 Sussex the last number of years?  Tear it down and build a proper home. 

[ExFlyer]

On 4/14/2023 at 11:23 PM, blackbird said:

How much money has been wasted on 24 Sussex the last number of years?  Tear it down and build a proper home. 

How much money have you wasted on your house over the past number of  years?

[taxme]

On 4/13/2023 at 3:19 PM, BeaverFever said:

You have no idea what the words liberal, socialist or Marxist even mean, as proven by the fact that you use them interchangeably. 

Oh, yes I do know what liberalism, socialism and Marxism is all about. They all believe in more government, more taxes and less freedom. I use them where I see fit to do so. Even your own hero dictator Trudeau in Ottawa is trying to push thru a censorship bill, BILL C-11, which is meant to go after and shut down conservatives and conservatism. You know that, or you should know that, so stop playing your silly azz liberal games with me. Anything a liberal says, I automatically go the reverse. They say no, which really means yes. 

Are you going to try and make it appear as though those three mentioned above have been great for Canada? If so, what the hell did those three Marxists ever do for Canada to make and keep Canada great? I know that they have given me more government, more taxes and less freedom. So, come on man, give me something will you, if you possibly can. ?

[blackbird]

1 hour ago, taxme said:

Trudeau in Ottawa is trying to push thru a censorship bill, BILL C-11,

That's correct.  The Rebel Media is asking for donations to mount a legal challenge against C-11 because C-11 is also aimed at silencing small internet media companies like Rebel Media that question the Liberal government.

[BeaverFever]

Update:  looks like all signs are pointing to a new location for the PMs residence. But will any PM have the gonads to actually spend the tens of millions without fear of being attacked?  Or more accurately will any any opposition leaders have the gonads to do what’s right and NOT use this for political attacks?

 

Ottawa looking to drop 24 Sussex and build new home for PM elsewhere: sources

24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. The federal government is looking at other sites in the city for a new official residence for the prime minister. (Michel Aspirot/Radio-Canada)

The federal government is looking at dropping the dilapidated mansion at 24 Sussex in Ottawa as the prime minister's official residence and is considering several other sites in the city for a replacement, sources say.

The various federal agencies in charge of the PM's official residence have identified other plots of land where they could build an official residence that is larger, safer and more accessible than the one that served prime ministers from 1951 to 2015.

The residence at 24 Sussex is in a state of disrepair after decades of neglect, and the grounds are simply too small to meet modern security standards, several sources and experts have told Radio-Canada.

One of the lots under consideration is in Rockcliffe Park, an idyllic spot along the Ottawa River that regularly hosts picnics and weddings, sources said.

The park has a secondary parking lot, surrounded by woods, in a less frequented area. It's also farther from the road and from the Ottawa River than 24 Sussex — factors which make it a preferred option among security experts, sources said.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride troop practices in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The government also has evaluated a site near the RCMP Musical Ride training centre to the east of Rockcliffe Park. Sources said the flat terrain there is more visible from the road and the site would require fencing that would make it look more like a fortress.

Other plots of land owned by the federal government are also being studied. The leader of the Official Opposition's residence at Stornoway was even considered at one time, said a source.

Another option being examined is to move the PM's residence permanently to Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been living there in a "temporary" arrangement since 2016.

The government insists no final choice has been made.

"There is no option that has unanimous support, and every option has its pros and cons," said a federal government source.

'It's embarrassing'

In the midst of a housing and cost-of-living crisis, the construction of a new official residence costing tens of millions of dollars would be a political headache for the federal government, which has been dithering over 24 Sussex's fate for years.

"I think it's embarrassing that a G7 country can't provide a safe, secure residence for the head of government and their family," said former clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick, who was the head of the federal public service from 2016 to 2019.

Plans to renovate 24 Sussex were made during Trudeau's first mandate but the government decided the price tag was too high and the potential for political controversy too great.

"My understanding is there's no way to make [24 Sussex] safe at a reasonable cost," said Wernick.

Built in 1868, 24 Sussex later served as the official residence of a succession of Liberal and Conservative prime ministers, from Louis St-Laurent's arrival in 1951 until Stephen Harper's departure in 2015.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau pose for photographers at 24 Sussex on April 16, 1982. (Ron Poling/Canadian Press)

Prime ministers have welcomed many international luminaries to 24 Sussex, from U.S. presidents like John F. Kennedy to pop stars like Bono and royalty like Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles (when he was Prince Charles) and Princess Diana.

After he was elected in 2015, Trudeau refused to move into 24 Sussex because the residence was in need of extensive renovations after years of neglect. Among other things, the building's faulty electrical systems posed a fire hazard at the time.

"The initial preference was to renovate 24 Sussex, but no one realized the extent of the necessary renovations that were needed," said a source who was involved in the deliberations at the time.

In a report published in 2021, the NCC estimated that the "deferred maintenance deficit" at 24 Sussex stood at $37 million — a figure which does not include the need to spend tens of millions of dollars on better security.

Security shortcomings

A major problem for 24 Sussex is the residence's proximity to a busy street — which could make a truck bomb attack on the prime minister more lethal. The short distance between the road and the residence also would make it harder for police to respond to a surprise attack.

To prevent drone attacks, steel plates need to be installed on 24 Sussex's roof. That would require installing a metal skeleton around the frame that one source warned could turn 24 Sussex into a "bunker."

"In 1951, it was a good choice to install our prime minister here but now the building is no longer up to standard," said Pierre-Yves Bourduas, a former RCMP deputy commissioner who was once responsible for the security of official residences in the Ottawa area.

"Security has changed enormously over the past 10 years and in this context, we need to rethink the location of the prime minister's residence."

Faced with 24 Sussex's deterioration, the National Capital Commission announced it was "closing" the residence earlier this year. Work to remove the heating and electrical systems is set to begin in September.

The house suffers from a long list of problems, including mould in the pool and sauna area, rodent infestations and asbestos.

A hot potato

Several government officials said there are many arguments in favour of relocating the official residence. These sources were granted confidentiality to speak about a file that is still open within the government.

"Everyone knows that renovating everything can cost more than building something new," said a source involved in decisions about 24 Sussex.

Beyond its structural and security problems, the site at 24 Sussex isn't large enough to include a reception area.

"Most G7 and Commonwealth leaders receive official visitors in a space dedicated for these purposes. Canada currently lacks such dedicated spaces," the NCC said in a 2022 report.

The main residence at 24 Sussex amounts to roughly 12,000 square feet. The NCC says the prime minister's official residence needs about 16,000 square feet, including space for official functions, security and staff.

The NCC suggests the residence should have 4,700 square feet for private family quarters, including a primary bedroom, four bedrooms for children and three bedrooms to accommodate relatives, friends or other guests.

The NCC said it thinks the official residence should be able to accommodate groups of at least 15 to 30 people for professional meetings.

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at Rideau Cottage on March 23, 2023, in Ottawa. (Andrew Harnik/The Associated Press)

Trudeau's current residence at Rideau Cottage is less than ideal from a security standpoint, said sources — it has clear sight lines from nearby buildings and also lacks metal roof plating to repel drone attacks.

One former adviser to Trudeau said having the elected prime minister living on the grounds next to the King's representative in Canada also sends the wrong message.

"It doesn't make sense for the Prime Minister to live in the Governor General's backyard," the former adviser said.

Ottawa has said it could make a decision about 24 Sussex by the fall. July's cabinet shuffle may slow down that process — Jean-Yves Duclos, Trudeau's seventh minister of public services and procurement, only recently took over the file.

Building a new official residence in Rockcliffe Park would meet many security requirements but would run the risk of encountering opposition from the park's users.

Russell Gibson, president of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association in Ottawa, said he hopes the government comes up with plans for an official residence "that we can all be proud of." To get there, he said, it will be important for the NCC to proactively consult members of the community before making final choices.

University of Montreal professor emeritus Christina Cameron, an expert on Canada's built heritage, said the government should keep 24 Sussex as the PM's official residence. She said the building, which has been visited by major figures in world history over the decades, is part of Canada's story.

"I think we should keep it, save it," said Cameron, a former chair of the NCC's Official Residences Advisory Committee.

"No one will make a decision because they don't want to be criticized that they're doing something for themselves. So I find that very frustrating and short-term thinking and I think it's not appropriate for Canada."

It's almost certain that Justin Trudeau won't be prime minister once (or if) a new residence is built — which could make the decision easier for him.

"At this stage, it will be for someone else," said a Liberal source.

Wernick said many projects of this kind have run up against a strong NIMBY reaction from Ottawa residents opposed to major developments. He added that prime ministers are very skittish about the appearance of buying a big house for themselves at taxpayers' expense.

"I think there's a chill created by adverse media coverage and political backlash. There's no upside for the prime minister — for any prime minister — to make this call," he said.

Wernick said he hopes the government will proceed with a plan for the official residence, although he remains "skeptical" that the matter will be resolved before the next federal election.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/24-sussex-prime-minister-trudeau-ottawa-1.6949710

 

[BeaverFever]

Double update:  Alas, politics prevail:

 

24 Sussex: Poilievre says Trudeau doesn't need new home | CTV News

As the government develops plans for the future of 24 Sussex Drive, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says fixing or replacing the dilapidated and unoccupied official residence would be the last item on his agenda if he was prime minister.

Poilievre, who currently resides in the taxpayer-funded official residence Stornoway, told reporters Tuesday that plans for the place that right now only rodents call home, would be near, if not at the bottom of his priority list.

"We don't need a new home for the prime minister, we need a new home for working class Canadians," he said, accusing Trudeau of being too focused on "building mansions for himself," citing past renovations done to the secondary prime ministerial property Harrington Lake.

What to do with 24 Sussex Drive is back in the news following a report from Radio-Canada citing unnamed sources that the federal government was considering abandoning the building as the prime minister's official residence and building something bigger and more secure on another plot of land in the nation's capital.

Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos' office would not confirm to CTV News that this is a plan being considered, but in a statement, said they " continue to work closely with the National Capital Commission to develop a plan for the future of 24 Sussex Drive."

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

This spring, Duclos' predecessor in the portfolio told a committee of MPs that the federal government would unveil its plans for the future of the 155-year-old residence by the fall. 

The 34-room, 10,000-square-foot mansion has sat empty since former prime minister Stephen Harper and his family moved out of what then was already a house in need of major repairs, following his 2015 election defeat.

Trudeau and his family opted to move into what he has called the "smaller but better" Rideau Cottage given the state of disrepair 24 Sussex was in after past occupants continually deferred the multi-million dollar fixes needed. 

Now in "critical condition," without intervention to address the rodent infestation, mould, asbestos, and the hazardous electrical system, it remains "uninhabitable" for humans, according to the National Capital Commission. 

• Capital Dispatch: Sign up for in-depth political coverage of Parliament Hill

When asked what he thinks the appropriate accommodations for a prime minister should be, Poilievre said they "should be reasonable and practical to provide for the ability to receive dignitaries… and most important of all, have security."

The Conservative leader suggested many of the buildings currently in the parliamentary precinct could be used for bigger events and that where the prime minister calls home should be "a very basic, secure place where a prime minister can live safely, at a reasonable cost to taxpayers."

Former prime minister Jean Chretien said earlier this year that he'd like to see the house he once resided in repaired rather than demolished, but acknowledged the perceived political hot potato that the issue has been for successive prime ministers. Chretien has previously said the refusal to repair the crumbling official residence makes Canada look like "a bunch of cheap guys."

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/as-plans-for-future-of-24-sussex-being-developed-poilievre-says-new-pm-residence-last-on-his-priority-list-1.6539591

[CdnFox]

They're probably right - abandon it and rebuild somewhere else.  And PP is probably right - you could probably use some of the existing gov't buildings for dignitary work and build a modest but classy home for the PM to live in that was secure.

I get why he's saying it's the last thing on his mind but - someone's got to deal with it. We look like some 3rd world nation if we can't even keep a residence for our leader.

[BeaverFever]

41 minutes ago, CdnFox said:

They're probably right - abandon it and rebuild somewhere else.  And PP is probably right - you could probably use some of the existing gov't buildings for dignitary work and build a modest but classy home for the PM to live in that was secure.

I get why he's saying it's the last thing on his mind but - someone's got to deal with it. We look like some 3rd world nation if we can't even keep a residence for our leader.

How about we just dust off the old Diefenbunker then??

No matter how “modest” they make it , by its very nature it’ will still cost millions of dollars and it will not be outfitted with Walmart  finishes so it will always be a political target for opportunistic faux-populist politicians  

I get why PP or any politician with near-term election hopes wouldn’t want to discuss this publicly as a topic like this can only turn off voters, especially during a he current housing crisis. But his opportunistic attempt to frame this topic as “a mansion for Justin Trudeau” is terribly dishonest and only perpetuates the poisoned environment that caused this mess in the first place.  Will it ever end?  These people should all be ashamed of themselves 

Edited August 29, 2023 by BeaverFever

[Nexii]

They should demolish it and build a nicer but smaller home. 12k sq ft is a bit excessive, half that would do

Most Canadians do not feel a strong sense of attachment to 24 Sussex

[Nexii]

Does anyone else find it ironically funny that we can't even build a nice home for our PM during this housing crisis

[Army Guy]

2 hours ago, Nexii said:

Does anyone else find it ironically funny that we can't even build a nice home for our PM during this housing crisis

No, not at all, getting anything done by this government has been a huge endeavor, as large as climbing Everest...I do find it a little embarrassing, that the PM primary home is unfit for humans...and in 8 years of liberal leadership it could not be rectified. 

[BeaverFever]

1 hour ago, Army Guy said:

No, not at all, getting anything done by this government has been a huge endeavor, as large as climbing Everest...I do find it a little embarrassing, that the PM primary home is unfit for humans...and in 8 years of liberal leadership it could not be rectified. 

But why do you leave out the years of neglect under Harper?  Harper left it in in an uninhabitable state when Harper moved out. 

[ExFlyer]

13 hours ago, Nexii said:

Does anyone else find it ironically funny that we can't even build a nice home for our PM during this housing crisis

We (Canada) have not fixed, repaired, built or anything on the PM's house for over half a century. Nothing to do with a housing issue. A pure bureaucratic issue.

[CdnFox]

16 hours ago, BeaverFever said:

How about we just dust off the old Diefenbunker then??

No matter how “modest” they make it , by its very nature it’ will still cost millions of dollars and it will not be outfitted with Walmart  finishes so it will always be a political target for opportunistic faux-populist politicians  

I get why PP or any politician with near-term election hopes wouldn’t want to discuss this publicly as a topic like this can only turn off voters, especially during a he current housing crisis. But his opportunistic attempt to frame this topic as “a mansion for Justin Trudeau” is terribly dishonest and only perpetuates the poisoned environment that caused this mess in the first place.  Will it ever end?  These people should all be ashamed of themselves 

Yeah - but justin set the bar on 'dishonest accuastions' ages ago with 'white supremacy' and 'they want to ban abortions' and such, so he can reap what he sows

But i generally agree, it's not a real thing.'  A country needs to have a prime residence for many reasons and it SHOULD be a symbol of the country's pride.  It should be full of 'wow' factor  much like the white house is.  You say 'the white hosue' everyone everywhere knows what it is.  You say Number 10 Downing street and most people know what it is. 

There are just some things you have to have if you're going to be taken seriously as  a country.  Side note - whenever either side complains about the cost of security for travelling for the pm as is often the case i think that's M0ronic too.  Pay what we have to pay to keep the leader of the country safe and shut up. He's not staying in a holiday inn, get over it.

[Army Guy]

13 hours ago, BeaverFever said:

But why do you leave out the years of neglect under Harper?  Harper left it in in an uninhabitable state when Harper moved out. 

Why do we even have to bring harper into the picture, i think the biggest disappointment is that after 8 years of liberal leadership that this issue has not been fixed...why look at it now, or is it the media that is making this an issue. Do you not think this home is suppose to represent the Nation to Canadians and other global leaders, i do, i think it shows the world we can not even solve this simple problem...

Come on beaver, your a smart guy, can we really blame Harper on this. Did harper trash the place as a parting gift to Justin, or did he leave a series of request to have things fixed.... 

Fixing this home was clearly not a Liberal priority, for 8 years it never came up...It does not look good for the liberal party, that it could not even get one home fixed or rebuilt or anything.... 

[BeaverFever]

2 hours ago, Army Guy said:

Why do we even have to bring harper into the picture, i think the biggest disappointment is that after 8 years of liberal leadership that this issue has not been fixed...why look at it now, or is it the media that is making this an issue. Do you not think this home is suppose to represent the Nation to Canadians and other global leaders, i do, i think it shows the world we can not even solve this simple problem...

Come on beaver, your a smart guy, can we really blame Harper on this. Did harper trash the place as a parting gift to Justin, or did he leave a series of request to have things fixed.... 

Fixing this home was clearly not a Liberal priority, for 8 years it never came up...It does not look good for the liberal party, that it could not even get one home fixed or rebuilt or anything.... 

We can blame Harper as much as JT or anyone else, Harper refused the much needed repairs as well. When he moved out the place was already in an uninhabitable condition due to DECADES OF NEGLECT from Harper and from his predecessors. Every PM who neglected the property only left the next PM with aN even bigger repair bill as costs always go up with time and as the building continues to deteriorate  
 

And now PP is perpetuating the problem by trying to keep the topic politicized and frame it as ‘Trudeau’s mansion’ which will only ensure the the issue remains politically untouchable for another generation. 

Edited August 30, 2023 by BeaverFever

[BeaverFever]

4 hours ago, CdnFox said:

But i generally agree, it's not a real thing.'  A country needs to have a prime residence for many reasons and it SHOULD be a symbol of the country's pride.  It should be full of 'wow' factor  much like the white house is.  You say 'the white hosue' everyone everywhere knows what it is.  You say Number 10 Downing street and most people know what it is. 

There are just some things you have to have if you're going to be taken seriously as  a country.  Side note - whenever either side complains about the cost of security for travelling for the pm as is often the case i think that's M0ronic too.  Pay what we have to pay to keep the leader of the country safe and shut up. He's not staying in a holiday inn, get over it.

100%!

 

But how funny would it be if Trudeau defends his next policy move by saying “But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!”