Gentlemen, I would like to start by thanking you for your service to the country. I know, General Manson, that you have continued to work extremely hard, namely for the Canadian War Museum, which is much to your credit. L.Gen. Macdonald, you too have given a great deal, be it to the public service or during your military career.
L.Gen. Macdonald, I would like to ask you some questions, because as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, you were able to see the action plan that the former government had developed, the famous $13 billion plan. We know that the issue of the Air Force was key. You know that on our side, we find wanting to buy C-17s and to replace the Hercules aircraft at the same time is not only excessive, but also unnecessary. We can do one or the other, in other words replace the Hercules aircraft or consider buying C-17s.
I know this is somewhat delicate, because you are now a consultant and a lobbyist for one of the companies that wants to obtain some of these contracts. While remaining non-committal, could you tell us if any research has been done? Did the proposed projects include buying or leasing C-17 aircraft—there was talk of six at the time—and keeping the Hercules aircraft in a newer state? In passing, they are not all too old; part of the fleet is still operating well. Was there talk about replacing the Hercules aircraft instead?
I would like you to tell us what the deal was when you were there. I agree with Mr. Manson: there is a political aspect, and governments share their points of view. However, the authority comes from those who define the requirements, and the decisions were made by the Department of National Defence.
So I would like you to say a few words to provide some clarification. What really happened, and what were the proposed plans and scenarios when you were Vice Chief of the Defence Staff?