WOW! And now we know why our taxes are so high! Not that there wasn't a million clues out there before this little announcement.
The federal government is reportedly selling off numerous mansions that currently house Canada's diplomats that live abroad. On the chopping block at present is a modest 7,500 square foot bungalow (yeah right) on the outskirts of Miami. Louise Leger, our country's Consul-General, lives at the house that is now valued at $5.2 million. "It has six bedrooms, 6.5 baths, marble floors throughout, expansive gourmet kitchen, separate staff quarters and an inviting in-ground, saltwater pool surrounded by a meticulously landscaped yard, the real-estate website says. The 2003 custom-built Spanish Revival-style residence sits on a corner, half-acre lot on one of Coral Gables' most prestigious streets..."
I repeat - Wow.
This isn't the only luxury property the Canadian government owns out of country. We have many - including two in Washington, for $2.4-million and $1.6-million, Detroit ($800,000), and Seattle ($2.2-million), Oslo and Brussels. We just sold off one in Mexico City for $3.1 million. We are also offering for sale homes in Bridgetown, Helsinki, and Brussels. In March, a150,000-square-foot property was sold in London. One hundred and fifty THOUSAND SQUARE FEET?!? What!?! Who needs that kind of space???
As a taxpayer it's good news that we are cashing in on these unnecessary luxuries (which WILL by the way, be replaced supposedly by more modest accommodations - I highly doubt that) but a person has to ask, WHY were they ever purchased in the first place? What diplomat requires that kind of luxury to adequately represent Canada? And how in depth are their jobs to warrant such an expense? Can you imagine the other ways this money could be spent?
I saw a picture of the latest property up for sale. It's a tad nice. I'm thinking, since we're paying for it, maybe a farewell party is in order (pool side of course) before the government cashes in. Maybe the feds will even kick in for private jet. Oh right, we're just the common folk...
It's one thing to provide a comfortable, safe and even welcoming setting for our diplomats but a 7,500 square foot mansion is completely out of line. Sell them all and smarten up already.
