I also have some questions on the C-17 purchases or the contract that's been let out. It seems to me that we're paying $3.4 billion for this contract, and Canadian industry is not getting the full benefit for the maintenance of that contract. So Canadian industry is losing out on what has traditionally happened in these kinds of procurements.
I don't believe that the military is being assured of receiving the very best product available, when there's been no competitive process. In a competitive process, each of the suppliers would tell you, tell us, and tell the Canadian government about the capabilities of meeting the requirements, which you spoke about earlier, General Hillier, that the military sets. During the competitive process, the bidding companies would have the responsibility of proving that their product met those capabilities. So there's no competitive process going on here.
I have to wonder if part of the reason for going this route is an attempt to improve relationships with the U.S. Is that part of the thinking that went into the process? If so, aren't we putting the issue of Canadian sovereignty before the requirements and needs of the men and women in the Canadian Forces?
Also, look at how the contract for maintenance apparently will be carried out. It's my understanding that the maintenance will be carried out by the U.S. Air Force. I wonder then, if we were in a situation where American and Canadian planes needed maintenance and servicing at the same time, whose planes would get priority?