Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question.
Purchasing the F-35 fighter jets will help the Canadian Forces provide effective defence operations against 21st century threats to our country, over large areas, in harsh environmental conditions, as well as abroad.
A partner in the joint strike fighter program since 1997, Canada participated in the lengthy, thorough competitive bidding process conducted by the United States in 2001, which awarded the F-35 contract to Lockheed Martin and its partners.