National Defence committee  I think it's premature. What I would say is that with the initial design versus where we are now, it's certainly heavier. I wouldn't confirm the exact weight at this stage. There are some ongoing discussions. It's a really critical time for that project in terms of working with both the navy to identify requirements, and our key contractors, Irving, BAE and Lockheed to nail down exact requirements.

National Defence committee  I am aware that there's ongoing knowledge sharing between our service contractors, as well as with the U.K. industry. That's important because the U.K. launched the surface combatant equivalent ship before us, so learning from their expertise is a really important aspect in terms of delivering this project.

National Defence committee  I would have to defer to the navy in terms of the actual requirements that they have identified and how the bid provided by the winning bidder meets those requirements. That might be something we have to get back to you on off-line.

National Defence committee  Again, it's a matter of matching up the requirements identified by the Royal Canadian Navy with those that were proposed by the bidder and ongoing discussions there. I have one of my colleagues here with me, Troy. If there's anything to add here, Troy, just come on screen. If not, I'll just carry on.

National Defence committee  She's available if we need her. There she is—

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, I can maybe add to that. Of the $1.2 billion lapsed last year, I think we have reprofiled $1.06 billion, so the vast majority. I believe it's mostly into the current year, as the CFO said.

National Defence committee  Typically, when the money lapses, it stays with the same project. There is flexibility there, but the working assumption one can use is that it would stay with the same project, because things are generally sliding to the right. There is flexibility there should we need it.

National Defence committee  There's a lot in that question, Mr. Chair. I'll do my best, and I will then turn to my colleague, the vice chief, to see if she wishes to add anything. First and foremost, an ongoing presence is important. There were exercises with allies up there in recent weeks, but even sailing ships up in the north is important as well.

National Defence committee  I'll give it a shot. Maybe we can take it up later. The member is quite right about the PBO's analysis. It shows a slide into the right. It's not a huge shock in the most recent year, given COVID. There is regular inflation, plus you're also seeing inflation in defence markets.

National Defence committee  I think, Mr. Chair, if we're dealing with the counsel or advice to former or current armed forces members, that's one thing. If we're going to this broader subject matter, that's a better question for Global Affairs Canada. Possibly we can take it off-line to see if we can get an answer through them and come back in writing.

National Defence committee  There are two aspects to this question. Number one, when will the results of the competition be known? That process is under way. Our colleagues at PSPC are leading that, and we'll leave it to them to announce when they are ready. Given the CF-18 will be in service for a number of years to come, there are ongoing programs and projects to upgrade the capabilities, because we will be flying those planes probably for the next eight to 10 years.

National Defence committee  Public Services and Procurement Canada actually runs the procurement process, so that's in their hands—

National Defence committee  Thank you for your question. I will answer first and then give the floor to Ms. Allen. First, we're putting a lot more emphasis on the health of personnel to ensure that they want to stay in the Canadian Forces. As the Minister has already mentioned, we will be launching a new strategy in the coming months.

National Defence committee  There's nothing in the supplementary estimates (C) specific to the capability that is being referenced here. The member may be trying to associate detailed costing with specific activities as opposed to overall readiness and capability. I suspect that we may come back to this in the second part of meeting, but I don't want to waste any more of your time, Mr.

National Defence committee  I can start, Mr. Chair. Chief, please feel free to supplement. The analysis is ongoing. The department did receive funding to do analysis and costing and evaluate options. Obviously, something like this is not a “take it or leave it” type of project; there are options to be discussed and evaluated.