Canada’s consul general in New York has said he was truthful in his testimony to a parliamentary committee on his role in the purchase of a luxury Manhattan penthouse, rejecting Conservative MPs’ calls for him to resign.
Tom Clark made the comments at his appearance at the House of Commons government operations committee meeting on Nov. 21. Clark had been called to testify after being accused of lying to the committee over the influence he had on the Canadian government’s decision to purchase the $9 million luxury apartment.
“The evidence I have given to this committee consistently is the truth,” he said after being asked whether he would resign, which was first covered by Blacklock’s Reporter.
“Any mention from the mission referencing my views on the state of the official residence were the result of an indirect, third-hand report of a remark made to a colleague. This in no way constituted an effort to influence,” he said.
Conservative MP Michael Barrett said the evidence indicates he was “involved” in the process and accused him of lying to the committee previously. “What we need to know, sir, is why you didn’t tell the truth, why you lied to committee the last time you were here; why did you do that?” asked MP Barrett.
“The evidence I have given to this committee has been consistent,” replied Clark.
New Democrat Alexandre Boulerice said there were contradictions in Clark’s testimony. “It turns out what you said before is not true,” he said. “You can understand why our committee is a bit troubled.”
