加国住房危机之际 自由党政府豪掷660万美元购买纽约豪华公寓（观点）

加拿大政府最近决定花费660万美元在纽约为其总领事购买一处豪华住宅，此举在自由党政府难以控制加国住房危机的今天，引发加国内强烈反弹。自由党在因其住房短缺和财政管理不当而面临四面楚歌之际，该丑闻的曝光无疑让自由党雪上加霜。

The recent revelation of the Canadian government’s decision to spend US$6.6 million ($ 9 million Canadian) on a luxury residence for its consul-general in New York has sparked considerable backlash, particularly in the context of the Liberals' handling of the housing crisis in Canada. This exposure comes at a critical juncture, as the Liberals face mounting criticism for their management of domestic issues, especially their approach to housing shortages and financial governance.

自由党执政下，加拿大政府的赤字因无节制的超支而膨胀。为了应对迫在眉睫的住房短缺问题，自由党政府采取了增加对中等投资物业业主和加国经济支柱的中小企业业主征收额外资本增值税的政策。这一措施不仅会使GDP增长受挫，还对那些通过投资房产以期获得财务稳定的人士不公。对那些在移民国为实现财务稳定而面临更多挑战的新移民征收额外税款实在是天理难容！

Canada's deficit has ballooned under the Liberals, primarily due to what many see as reckless overspending. To address the pressing issue of housing shortages, the Liberals have increased capital gains taxes on modest investment property owners and small business owners that are the backbone of the Canadian economy. This demographic includes many newcomers striving for financial stability and now being squeezed for extra revenue. These measures have not only dealt a blow to GDP growth but also unfairly targeted those facing additional challenges in securing their financial futures in their adopted country.

在这种向加大向草民大幅征税的背景下，自由党决定为纽约的总领事购买一套价值660万美元的豪华公寓，引起了公众的愤怒。加国政府以现有住宅老化为借口来为这一行为辩护，认为搬迁比翻新现有物业更经济化。根据全球事务部发言人萨布丽娜·威廉姆斯的说法，这一举措预计将为纳税人节省200多万美元，因为“新住宅的维护成本和物业税较低”。然而，这一说辞根本不能平息公众的不满。

Amid this backdrop of increasing taxes, the decision to purchase a US$6.6 million luxury condominium for the consul-general in New York has sparked outrage. The government justifies the purchase by citing the age and condition of the current residence, arguing that relocating is more economical than refurbishing the existing property. According to Global Affairs spokesperson Sabrina Williams, the move is projected to save taxpayers over $2 million due to lower maintenance costs and property taxes. However, this explanation has done little to quell public discontent.

保守党众议院领袖安德鲁·希尔表示自由党政府购置豪宅时机太不当，是特鲁多政府与普通加拿大人生活困境完全脱节的真实写照。希尔强调称，许多加拿大人由于政府政策加剧的通货膨胀压力而无法承担住房，而自由党的内部人士却在享受前所未有的奢华。

Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer has criticized the transaction as poorly timed and emblematic of the Trudeau government’s disconnect from the struggles of ordinary Canadians. Scheer highlighted that while many Canadians are unable to afford homes due to inflationary pressures exacerbated by government policies, Liberal insiders seem to be enjoying unprecedented luxury.

新民主党（NDP）也对此提出强烈批评。住房部批评家亚历山大·布勒里斯表示，这一购买行为与加拿大人面临的严峻现实完全脱节。他强调了政府在纽约购买豪华公寓的做法实在讽刺之极，难道自由党政府不知道很多加拿大家庭正面临被迫迁出且房租飞涨的残酷现状吗？！布勒里斯指责自由党未能有效解决住房危机，他们所关心的是为其官员提供豪华住所，而不是为公民提供可负担的住房。

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has also voiced strong criticism. Housing critic Alexandre Boulerice described the purchase as disconnected from the reality faced by Canadians. He underscored the irony of the government buying a lavish condo in New York while many Canadian families are being reno-victed and facing skyrocketing rents. Boulerice accused the Liberals of failing to address the housing crisis effectively, suggesting that the government is more concerned with ensuring luxury accommodations for its officials than with providing affordable housing for its citizens.

豪华住宅的奢侈程度则更是让平民百姓乍舌，其高度奢华于那些在困境中苦苦挣扎的加拿大人所面临的现实生活形成鲜明对比。这栋豪宅包括奢华的门厅、配有Cristallo Gold石英石台面的厨房、宽敞的步入式衣柜以及装饰有意大利白色Venato大理石的浴室。建筑设施包括带休息室的私人游泳池、桑拿和理疗室、健身中心、私人餐厅和带露台的休闲大厅。

The opulence of the new residence only adds fuel to the fire. Descriptions of the property include features such as an elegant foyer, a kitchen with Cristallo Gold quartzite countertops, a primary bedroom with an expansive walk-in closet, and a bathroom adorned in Italian white Venato marble. Building amenities include a swimming pool with private cabanas, sauna and treatment rooms, a fitness center, a private dining room, and a residents’ lounge with a terrace. Such luxury stands in stark contrast to the everyday realities faced by many Canadians struggling to find affordable housing.

自由党的奢华之举让加拿大普通老百姓的愤懑之情溢于言表，引发了对自由党到底是为谁着想的质疑，进一步加剧了他们对因住房危机而处境岌岌可危的自由党的不满。不识时务的自由党一系列举措使其支持率急剧下降，甚至在最近的补选中将其大本营选区丢给了保守党。自由党目前的处境凸显了选民越来越多的不满和失望，以及自由党政府与民众需求脱节不断加剧的严酷现实。自由党政府的这一购置豪宅丑闻突显更换一个能将百姓困境而非其高官利益放在首位的政府的迫切性。尽管自由党竭力政治欲再度当选，但选民已对其失去希望和人耐心，而其接连不断的丑闻只能将其迫切需要保留的选民越推越远。

The frustration of the middle class is palpable. The Liberals’ actions are seen as a stark example of misplaced priorities, further alienating a populace already disillusioned by the government’s handling of the housing crisis. The consequences of these actions are evident in the plummeting support for the Liberal Party, culminating in the loss of a stronghold riding in a recent by-election. This defeat underscores the growing dissatisfaction among voters who feel that the government is out of touch with their needs and concerns.This incident highlights the urgent need for a different government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens over the comforts of its insiders. Despite their frantic attempts to cling to power, the electorate's patience is wearing thin, and such actions only alienate the very voters they desperately seek to retain.