Trudeau government spends 9 million dollars of taxpayer money for consul general condo in New York

[blackbird]

This speaks volumes on how little the Trudeau government cares about our tax dollars.  It just throws it around like water.

"

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) told CBC News Friday that it recently purchased a lavish three-bedroom condo in New York to be used as the official residence for the Consulate General of Canada in New York.

The purchase was first reported by Crain's and The Real Deal, a real estate news organization. On Friday, the New York Post reported the condo cost $6.63 million US, roughly $9 million Cdn.

The 3,600-square-foot condo is at 111 West 57th Street, also known as Steinway Tower, in midtown Manhattan. The building is one of several luxury skyscrapers in an area known as Billionaires' Row.

The corner primary bedroom 'offers bright southeastern exposure, and is outfitted with a large walk-in closet,' says the listing. (Streeteasy.com)

According to an online listing, the condo's "elegant entry foyer offers white macauba stone floors, and the stunning powder room is finished in jewel onyx.

"A spacious living room provides southern exposure and custom smoke gray oak floors in a parquet pattern, while the adjacent dining room provides eastern exposure and plenty of space for entertaining."

• Veteran broadcaster Tom Clark to be named consul-general in New York: sources

Residents of the building also have access to an on-site padel court, a golf simulator and a children's play room.

Canada's consul general in New York provides diplomatic services to Canadians abroad, including passport, visa and immigration services. The consul general's office can also notarize documents, provide immigration services for foreign study and help Canadians vote from abroad."

Canadian government buys new condo for consul general in New York | CBC News

This will not go over well with millions of Canadians who are struggling to put food on the table and now realize they will never be able to afford a home.  They will see a government that is out of touch with Canadians.

 

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[Moonlight Graham]

LOL not surprised.

[ExFlyer]

The Canadian government spent the money for the consul general....

The Canada House residence in London is equal, if not more than that.

And the MacDonald Building residence  in London is worth 5 times a s much.

Just saying, diplomatic buildings in national capitals or major cities of other countries are not cheap.

This is a non political statement because no matter who is in power, the buildings are still there and used.

....and.... we cannot even decide what residence to have here in Canada in Ottawa for our political leader LOL

Edited July 14, 2024 by ExFlyer

[blackbird]

Not only is the 9 million dollars another squandering of taxpayer money, but how much does this guy get paid?  We need a highly paid "consul general" in New York like a hole in the head.  This is why Canada is so far in debt and we are paying vast sums to put celebrities in useless positions around the world.  That is how the elite political world works.  Same with the unelected Senate.  Another useless institution that costs millions of dollars and is just an expensive reward for the elite political hacks of society.

Former B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell was rewarded with an ambassador or consul general position in London after he obeyed Ottawa and brought in a carbon tax in B.C. in 2008.   Premier John Horgan, the former NDP Premier of B.C., was also rewarded with an ambassador position in Germany a couple years ago.   Former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale was rewarded with a post in London as high commissioner or similar position.  That's just how the system works.  They make hundreds of thousands a year at taxpayer expense and that doesn't include the big pensions they get from their former positions.  Their pensions would already be so big why would they even need these positions?

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[ExFlyer]

34 minutes ago, blackbird said:

Not only is the 9 million dollars another squandering of taxpayer money, but how much does this guy get paid? ....

be so big why would they even need these positions?

Wake up and smell reality. The real world has  clearly passed you by while your head was buried in your book LOL

Real estate is at historical highs....world wide.

Yes, we need consulates in all countries and major cities for, at the very least, our presence and for trade.

[I am Groot]

You can't buy a place in Manhattan that doesn't cost millions. And this will be a place where he entertains important diplomatic, political, and business leaders. Is he supposed to take up residence in a cheap, one-bedroom apartment in Harlem? He and where he lives reflects on Canada in the same way 24 Sussex does. 

And it's perhaps a metaphor that 24 Sussex is broken because the imbecile in charge of the place can't make a decision about fixing or replacing it. 

Edited July 14, 2024 by I am Groot

[ExFlyer]

57 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

You can't buy a place in Manhattan that doesn't cost millions. And this will be a place where he entertains important diplomatic, political, and business leaders. Is he supposed to take up residence in a cheap, one-bedroom apartment in Harlem? He and where he lives reflects on Canada in the same way 24 Sussex does. 

And it's perhaps a metaphor that 24 Sussex is broken because the imbecile in charge of the place can't make a decision about fixing or replacing it. 

I agree but I have to say it is the "imbeciles" in charge as in the past 3 PMs. They all knew the disaster 24 Sussex was and only Trudeau would not move his family into it.

The F'n NCC is a monumental waste of effort and should be completely disbanded or should actually made something of use and turn part of Ottawa into something similar to Washington DC.

[herbie]

Hmmm maybe ya'd feel better if they just rented it for $100K a month. And got nothing if they decided to move elsewhere.
Better yet top diplomats should live and entertain in tents in a downtown back alley. That would only cost 100 bucks or so of "your tax dollars" .

[I am Groot]

2 hours ago, ExFlyer said:

I agree but I have to say it is the "imbeciles" in charge as in the past 3 PMs. They all knew the disaster 24 Sussex was and only Trudeau would not move his family into it.

The F'n NCC is a monumental waste of effort and should be completely disbanded or should actually made something of use and turn part of Ottawa into something similar to Washington DC.

The last guy said "Good enough for me," and used it. 

It's Trudeau alone who said "This place has now deteriorated past the point of being safely used. And then did absolutely nothing about it for nine years and counting. 

[blackbird]

3 hours ago, I am Groot said:

You can't buy a place in Manhattan that doesn't cost millions.

Don't make me laugh.

This one is $315,000 and looks fine for a consul general.  Why do taxpayers have to pay a fortune.  He's not the king.  He is a bureaucrat.    Could have saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

For Sale: 2 E 55th St Unit 803, New York, NY 10022 | realtor.com®

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[I am Groot]

2 minutes ago, blackbird said:

Don't make me laugh.

This one is $315,000 and looks fine for a consul general.  Why do taxpayers have to pay a fortune.  He's not the king.  He is a bureaucrat.    Could have saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

For Sale: 2 E 55th St Unit 803, New York, NY 10022 | realtor.com®

You didn't look closely enough at the ad. You missed this part.

1/12th Fractional Ownership deeded condominium

[blackbird]

8 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

You didn't look closely enough at the ad. You missed this part.

1/12th Fractional Ownership deeded condominium

You could be right.  I just can't find that information on the listing.  Still looking to see that.  They don't give much information.

But there are other apartments or condos for less than a million dollars.  The only thing it says is CO-OP whatever that means on the listing I saw.  Can you give the link that says 1/12th fractional ownership?

  I don't see why we the taxpayers should be forced to pay 9 million dollars when there are countless less expensive accommodations.

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[I am Groot]

9 minutes ago, blackbird said:

You could be right.  I just can't find that information on the listing.  Still looking to see that.  They don't give much information.

But there are other apartments or condos for less than a million dollars.  The only thing it says is CO-OP whatever that means on the listing I saw.  Can you give the link that says 1/12th fractional ownership?

  I don't see why we the taxpayers should be forced to pay 9 million dollars when there are countless less expensive accommodations.

Just click the link you posted and click 'property features'. 

Honestly, man, if you thought a place like that in midtown would go for $315k you don't know anything about property costs in New York. I couldn't even buy a place like that in Ottawa for $315k

As for COOPs, I believe it means you own a share of the property but not the property itself.

And to repeat, this guy represents Canada and will need a place for entertaining. Which means it has to be central, not out in the boondocks of the Bronx or Queens. Entertaining is one of the main things diplomats do. They entertain, and exchange gossip and talk about deals and problems over wine and dinner. More is accomplished at dinner parties than over a boardroom table.

And remember, we own the place. It's not like we can't just resell it at some point and get the money and a profit back,

Edited July 14, 2024 by I am Groot

[ExFlyer]

9 minutes ago, blackbird said:

You could be right.  I just can't find that information on the listing.  Still looking to see that.  They don't give much information.

But there are other apartments or condos for less than a million dollars.  The only thing it says is CO-OP whatever that means on the listing I saw.  Can you give the link that says 1/12th fractional ownership?

  I don't see why we the taxpayers should be forced to pay 9 million dollars when there are countless less expensive accommodations.

He is right.

You are always looking under a rock...the wrong rock LOL

[blackbird]

4 hours ago, I am Groot said:

You can't buy a place in Manhattan that doesn't cost millions.

Here is one for $1,650,000.   It doesn't say anything about fractional ownership.  I think this one would be reasonable.

No need to blow 9 million dollars for one.  There are thousands for sale.

5 East 22nd Street #15F in Flatiron, Manhattan | StreetEasy

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[blackbird]

4 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

And to repeat, this guy represents Canada and will need a place for entertaining.

So you think we the taxpayers must pay for a palace so he can hold big parties.  That sounds like nonsense.

I don't buy it.  There are lots of plush dining places and other places they can rent if needed for a large gathering.  I don't think the taxpayers of Canada should be forking out millions of dollars to hold parties in New York.  Forget it.  That's is not what we should be paying taxes for at all.   

[I am Groot]

1 minute ago, blackbird said:

Here is one for 1,650,000.   It doesn't say anything about fractional ownership.  I think this one would be reasonable.

No need to blow 9 million dollars for one.  There are thousands for sale.

5 East 22nd Street #15F in Flatiron, Manhattan | StreetEasy

It's 850 square feet. That's half the size of my two-bedroom bungalow so I don't think you can hold many large dinner parties for the New York business elite there. 

Think of the money spent as just an investment. It isn't gone. It's just in the form of a great piece of downtown real estate that we now own.

[ExFlyer]

47 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

The last guy said "Good enough for me," and used it. 

It's Trudeau alone who said "This place has now deteriorated past the point of being safely used. And then did absolutely nothing about it for nine years and counting. 

To be fairs, 24 Sussex has been the subject of repair,renovation, closure and many other issues. Even Mulroney stopped using it for official functions. Chretiens wife was constantly getting things fixed. Harper complained and also never had official functions there and now, the entire building is basically condemned. The heating , cooling , wiring and roofing are all unusable. Not even speaking to the foundation issies.

I live in Ottawa and not a month goes by without 24 Sussex and it's problems doesn't hit the news.

So, it was never "good enough for me" but more they just used parts of it. Trudeau was the first to say I ain't moving my wife and 3 kids into that shithole.

Sorry for the off topic excursion.

As I said earlier, $9 million in downtown NYC for an executive place to be used for official Canadian functions is a very good price.

Edited July 14, 2024 by ExFlyer

[blackbird]

7 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

As for COOPs, I believe it means you own a share of the property but not the property itself.

quote

Co-op (Cooperative):

In a co-op, you don’t technically own the property itself. Instead, you purchase shares of stock in a corporation or legal entity that owns the entire building.

Co-op residents receive a proprietary lease that allows them to occupy a specific apartment within the building.

Co-op owners are voting members of the building, participating in decisions related to maintenance, management, and other matters.

The co-op board often requires detailed personal information before approving a purchase, including tax returns and interviews with residents.

Financing for co-ops is more restrictive, often requiring a lower loan-to-value ratio (LTV) than condos1.  unquote

A co-op still gives the occupant sole use of the unit.  You purchase shares in a corporation that owns the entire building.  That should be no problem.  But there are lots of completely privately owned condos in NY.

[ExFlyer]

Just now, blackbird said:

quote

Co-op (Cooperative):

In a co-op, you don’t technically own the property itself. Instead, you purchase shares of stock in a corporation or legal entity that owns the entire building.

Co-op residents receive a proprietary lease that allows them to occupy a specific apartment within the building.

Co-op owners are voting members of the building, participating in decisions related to maintenance, management, and other matters.

The co-op board often requires detailed personal information before approving a purchase, including tax returns and interviews with residents.

Financing for co-ops is more restrictive, often requiring a lower loan-to-value ratio (LTV) than condos1.  unquote

A co-op still gives the occupant sole use of the unit.  You purchase shares in a corporation that owns the entire building.  That should be no problem.  But there are lots of completely privately owned condos in NY.

Hey, you were wrong.  He sorted you out. Suck it up LOL

[blackbird]

6 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

That's half the size of my two-bedroom bungalow so I don't think you can hold many large dinner parties for the New York business elite there. 

No need to hold large dinner parties in your residence.  There are lots of places to rent to do that.  Why should taxpayers be funding that kind of thing?  That is just squandering taxpayer money.  If you allow that there is no limit to it.

1 minute ago, ExFlyer said:

Hey, you were wrong.  He sorted you out. Suck it up LOL

You have nothing intelligent to contribute.  Get lost.  YOu are blocked now.

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[blackbird]

20 minutes ago, I am Groot said:

And to repeat, this guy represents Canada and will need a place for entertaining.

Not at taxpayer expense.  No way.  The guy is a rich retired famous TV journalist/broadcaster.  We don't need to be paying these elites for high-paying jobs in luxury lifestyle and paid multi-million dollar condos.  That will not benefit average Canadians.

Edited July 14, 2024 by blackbird

[ExFlyer]

59 minutes ago, blackbird said:

 

You have nothing intelligent to contribute.  Get lost.  YOu are blocked now.

Take your own advice. . You have nothing intelligent to contribute. LOL

You were wrong and corrected... suck it up LOL

55 minutes ago, blackbird said:

Not at taxpayer expense.  No way.  The guy is a rich retired famous TV journalist/broadcaster.  We don't need to be paying these elites for high-paying jobs in luxury lifestyle and paid multi-million dollar condos.  That will not benefit average Canadians.

How can you represent Canada without the taxpayer funding it?

You certainly cannot do any of what they have to do. LOL

You are waaaay off the road LOL

[CdnFox]

Nobody hates trudeau and his excessive spending more than I do. 

But i think this is probably reasonable. You have to project a certain image when you're representing your country to another party.  People will visit them there.  It's owned by canada so it's not like the money is flushed down the toilet. 

I'm the first in line to hope he chokes on his quarter million dollar airline food  but sometimes it costs money to do business and this is probably one of those times.  I'd have to say no foul here. 

[blackbird]

I'm not sure how anyone could believe this is a worthwhile use of taxpayer's money since this government has a history of wasting our hard-earned tax dollars.  

 How many consul generals or ambassadors do we need for one country?  Do we have them in other cities too?  Or is this just a reward for a job well done for the government's side on CTV or Global News? 

"FIRST READING: The largest government misallocation in Canadian history

A recent Auditor’s General’s report found that a “minimum” of $27.4 billion in COVID benefits may have been paid out to people who were either ineligible or actively scamming the system. Add this to $4.6 billion in confirmed government overpayments, and that’s more than $32 billion in misappropriated COVID money.

It may not seem like much given the awesome scale of government spending in recent years; $32 billion is only one tenth of the $325 billion deficit that Canada racked up in 2020. But if the Auditor General’s suspicions are correct, this constitutes the largest misappropriation of government funds in the history of Confederation. And frankly, none of Canada’s other boondoggles, accounting flubs or spending scandals since 1867 even come close.

 unquote

The largest government misallocation of money in Canada's history | National Post

 

Edited July 15, 2024 by blackbird