Thank you.
I'll move on to another subject.
This week, we welcomed Kevin Mooney, the president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., to the committee and discussed the contract for the surface combatant ships, the 15 future frigates.
The committee has a lot of data for our study on naval operations, but we're having trouble understanding it.
On Tuesday, Mr. Mooney said that, based on the data presented, the estimated cost to build the 15 frigates was currently less than $60 billion. He also told us that our government had estimated the cost of the project at about $60 billion. However, the estimate cited in the report you published last year, or two years ago, was $77 billion.
Mr. Mooney also told the committee he was issuing quarterly updates. However, you often tell us you find it hard to get the information you and your team need to do your work.
Have you received a more accurate update on the frigates?
We hear various numbers: less than $60 billion, approximately $60 billion and $77 billion. Which is the right amount?
Can you answer that question?
Perhaps your colleague who handles defence issues can.