You just contradicted yourself. It is indeed very partisan and political, because the person who was dead set on the C-17s was certainly not Gen. Hillier, because when this plan was brought forward he was clear that it was the tacticals that people wanted changed. The Air Force said it preferred to have six C-17s and to keep the Hercules. And now there is talk of changing the Buffalos after they had a look at the new motors, but it was never a matter of having C-17s and tacticals: it was either one or the other. Your colleague and friend Minister O'Connor wanted these big flying boats, and it was part of your election platform. He said they were needed. So it's very partisan.
What's more, I would remind you that Minister O'Connor has the final say as the minister responsible for procurement in this area. He's the one looking at the criteria and the one with the authority. So don't come and tell me that is not partisan.