Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Norman, thank you for being with us. The fact that you would agree to appear before this committee today only makes you seem more noble-minded, and I readily acknowledge that. Although you have dedicated your life to defending this country, you were dragged through the mud on a mission to provide this country with a type of vessel that was sorely lacking, and made a success of the project a success despite the fact that defence procurement was a real mess. Your agreeing to be here to allow this committee to further reflect on defence procurement demonstrates indisputably that you are fundamentally upright man and true to your deepest convictions. Thank you for agreeing to answer our questions.
Vice Admiral, I read a great deal about the saga surrounding the Asterix and the horrible things this country has put you through. One thing in particular caught my eye. Just as you were given the green light to move forward with the agreements on the Asterix, the newly elected government received a letter from a shipyard with only one slipway and many contracts already in place. As a result of this letter, you experienced the events we are aware of.
It was possible that a second supply ship, the Obelix, would be made by the builder of the Asterix, that is, Chantier Davie.
Given that sailors love the Asterix and it was built on time and on budget, why did the Obelix never see the light of day when at least three such vessels are needed?