Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to thank our witnesses for being here today.
We have some reservations about the adequacy of working relations between the Department of National Defence and Public Works as regards the awarding of contracts. When you appeared before the Standing Committee on National Defence at the beginning of the year, you provided certain information. One of the things you talked about was the basic steps in the procurement process, which involves 12 steps, if I understand correctly. The Canadian Forces identify problem areas and specific needs. The work continues through other stages, during which the new needs are clarified.
I would like to know what specific need identified at the beginning of the procurement process was being met by the 80 tanks that will be ready in 2011. In addition, I would like you to tell my how many tanks are being deployed and how many are here for training purposes.