All right. I am almost done.
Sustainment is very hard to export; therefore, establishing a Canadian sustainment plan early and ahead of signing the acquisition contract is all the more important, since this is the time many countries have negotiating leverage. I underline again that access to facilities is but one aspect of the sustainment issue. What about Canadian sovereignty and control over these key assets in times of tension or conflict? What would Canada's priority be, when other allies have pressures to have assets available, if the sustainment facility is not in Canada?
At this stage of the project, the government must do its utmost to ensure that the F-35 is not only a military success, but also a success for industry in Canada. Our Canadian companies do well in terms of procurement and participation in the global supply chain linked to the JSF. The government also has an opportunity to give a Canadian company, specialized in fighter jet in-service support, the opportunity to help DND define the Canadian in-service support for the F-35, to provide this service, and, who knows, to enable us to become a North American depot and to compete in a larger market. We see that as one of the best opportunities for the government, which will be two significant benefits for Canada for the entire life cycle of the F-35.
Members of the defence committee, thank you once again for your kind invitation to present L-3 MAS's view on the F-35 project. MAS fully supports the selection of the F-35, is proud to be the fighter sustainment company in Canada, and is looking forward to our involvement in the F-35 sustainment.
Thank you.