Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong has spent $46k on tables, chairs and credenzas since June 2017

Documents obtained through Access to Information show locally procured items can be significantly less expensive

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2018-07-17

Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) Federal Director Aaron Wudrick released documents obtained through Access to Information showing that since June 2017, the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong has spent nearly $46,000 on tables, chairs and a credenza.

“Hopefully dinner guests at the Consulate General’s residence rest comfortably in one of the 16 chairs that cost taxpayers $1,050 each,” said Wudrick.

In addition to chairs, the Consulate General’s residence also purchased a $7,500 walnut credenza – also known as a sideboard – from Vancouver-based SwitzerCultCreative as part of an order totalling $24,990. The official government threshold for sourcing non-competitive contracts is $25,000.

Wudrick observed that the consulate also purchased a sideboard for $1,067 (85% less) and eight dining chairs for $305 apiece (71% less) from Tequila Kola, which bills itself as “Hong Kong’s iconic home store.”

“Our missions abroad can still have nice furniture without breaking the bank,” said Wudrick. “It just takes a little common sense – and greater respect for taxpayer dollars.”

Source:Canadian Taxpayers Federation

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