In the time remaining, I would like to go back to shipbuilding.
Something has struck me this afternoon: there are inconsistencies in the timelines for the production of the new vessels and for retrofit. Something seems to be off. Why are we retrofitting ships if we are expecting new ones to be delivered?
Mr. Finn, I would like you to provide us with an update on the $90 million awarded on a non-competitive basis to a certification agency that is not Canadian. That is under your responsibility. We will not have time in the minute remaining, but if you could indicate to the committee members what progress you have made so far.
Essentially, we want more ships and less bureaucracy. We need to increase shipyard capacity. Given the laundry list of shipyards and the delays reported, it is quite obvious that our ships rust out more quickly than they can be replaced. We hope the government will make informed decisions to ensure that the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard can protect the sovereignty of our waters.
Thank you.