Article content

OTTAWA — The government has sold off 29 diplomatic properties for more than $176 million since the election of the Liberal government, despite its rhetoric that Canada is “back” on the world stage.

A major sale of the official residence in Hong Kong last August, for about $85 million, is responsible for almost half of that amount, Global Affairs Canada confirmed to the National Post. Another $38 million is tied to nine sales of staff quarters in London. Five of the sales happened in January and February of this year: three staff quarters in London, another in Nairobi and the official residence for the European Union delegation head in Brussels.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Liberal government continued selling off diplomatic buildings amid 'Canada is back' rhetoric Back to video

The Brussels residence sold in February for just over $5 million, well short of a $7.8 million asking price, according to GAC spokeswoman Jocelyn Sweet.

That sale was finalized just weeks after the government announced it would be appointing then-foreign minister Stéphane Dion to a dual posting, as ambassador both to Germany and to the EU. It was understood Dion would reside in Berlin. Amid criticism over the dual appointment, including in Europe, Dion’s position was rejigged last month as ambassador to Germany and “special envoy” to the EU and Europe.