We have nearly made our decision, Mr. Bouchard. I know that this is a subject of great importance for you and your constituents. I would like to assure you that it is of equal importance to the Department of National Defence. With regard to the Chinooks, you are absolutely right; we will require infrastructure support to protect this new acquisition. The Chinook is a very sophisticated helicopter, particularly the new model F type.
As you know, we have undertaken a very extensive examination of the existing infrastructure found on various bases throughout the country, including Petawawa and the Bagotville facility, which I know you're very interested in. We're going to make a decision based not only on that infrastructure but also on the proximity, meaning the availability to deploy that particular aircraft as needed.
We'll make that decision, I would suggest to you, in the very near future. All of these things are worked up through the department. We have expertise within the department to help us make that decision at a policy level, as is the case with most, if not all, decisions at the Department of National Defence. I rely very heavily on the experts within the department, people like Mr. Ross in terms of procurement and people like General Natynczyk and others in terms of deciding what will optimize our capability and what will optimize the availability of an important piece of equipment like the Chinook. You will hear about this decision very soon, I assure you.
Thank you. Merci.