Thank you.
I just want to state for the record that we really didn't get a date there. It is important for this committee and for parliamentarians to get dates as soon as possible so that we can do our job to hold you accountable.
Speaking about construction of the interim supply ships, then, because you did mention it, that was as a result of action taken by the previous government in the construction of the MV Asterix, a project that the government originally opposed for political reasons. We don't now know when the next supply ships will be built or when the construction will begin. Based on the testimony of officials, it won't happen until at least 2021, four years later than originally planned.
Numerous experts have said that we need to award another contract to the Davie shipyard to get these supply ships in motion; otherwise, our capabilities as a navy are going to be, quite frankly, a joke.
Will you award a second contract to Davie, and if not, why not?