Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure having you as witnesses again. We appreciate Public Works, and over the last couple of years it has taken some positive steps and directions.
I want to ask a few questions regarding the departmental performance report in the Auditor General's report this week, specifically around the shipbuilding procurement strategy.
I was in Halifax for the last couple of days with our international trade committee, talking about the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, CETA, with the European Union and meeting with Atlantic stakeholders and business organizations. We toured a Halifax port yesterday, and people are ecstatic about the $115 billion megaproject. I had a tour of the Irving shipyards, and there are great opportunities for Atlantic Canada, and all Canadians.
The Auditor General mentioned the national shipbuilding procurement strategy, and said that the shipyard selection process was “a successful and efficient process independent of political influence, consistent with government regulations and policies, and carried out in an open and transparent manner”. Through the NSPS, the government is indeed managing the acquisition of military ships in a “timely”, “affordable”, “efficient”, and “transparent” manner that will support the shipbuilding industry for years to come.
Whomever is comfortable in answering, could you maybe comment on the Auditor General's findings with respect to the shipbuilding procurement strategy and its oversight mechanism, and specifically his findings with respect to whether the NSPS is being well managed?