A parliamentary committee has submitted a request directed to the Canadian consul general in New York City to justify the government's decision to purchase an apartment worth $9 million in the famous wealthy neighborhood of Manhattan.

This coincided with officials' statements that they are already preparing to sell the current official residence of the envoy to offset the cost of the new purchase.

The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the current residence is ready for sale, and that the proceeds from this sale will offset the cost of purchasing the new apartment valued at $9 million, which has faced sharp criticism over the past week due to its high price.

At this time, Consul General Tom Clark, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with other officials in the ministry, were summoned to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to justify the government's purchase of the costly new apartment.

The committee indicated that Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly will be summoned if deemed necessary.

Conservative MP Kelly Block described the apartment purchase as concerning.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed that the government purchased a unit in the Steinway Tower located at 111 West 57th St, which will be used for receptions, communications, official briefings, and hospitality events such as discussions with business and political leaders.

MP Julie Vignola from the Bloc Québécois supported the proposal for an investigation, agreeing that the price of $9 million needs to be scrutinized.

The committee requested that the government provide an assessment from a third party of Manhattan properties as much as possible.

The proposal also states that the ministry should provide a list of all properties including addresses and prices of the apartments that were considered for purchase.