Thank you.
In 12 months, we have done more than the previous government did in 12 years.
I was asked some questions earlier about the regional distribution of these contracts, and I would like to go back to that matter.
The CF-18 contract was awarded by the previous government. I would like to put some questions to my colleagues from the Liberal Party, who did not establish any regional minimum amounts in the contracts, and did not tell the Boeing representatives where they had to do business.
The CF-18 contract of the previous government did not impose any regional minimum limits on the firm that won the bid. Today, the same individuals are before us, in the committee, and are asking us to impose regional minimum amounts when in fact they did no such thing when they were in power.
With respect to the regional distribution of contracts for the marine helicopter procurement program developed by the previous Liberal government, Quebec obtained only 22% of the benefits. I can assure that the aerospace companies in Quebec and Canada will benefit and be in a good position for these contracts.
I am very proud to announce that Pratt & Whitney, a Quebec firm, received the largest contribution under the Technology Partnerships Canada program since it was established, namely $350 million. In Montreal, last fall, my colleague Michael Fortier announced this contribution which will be used for research and development to ensure that the company will remain competitive internationally.
These are concrete facts. This is what we are doing for the Quebec and Canadian aerospace sector. And this is just a start, because there will be economic benefits totalling more than $12.6 billion for all military procurement. I am certain that all companies, throughout Canada, will be able to position themselves in order to win these contracts.