Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, gentlemen, for coming.
You ended on the very statement that we have been saying for months, as the official opposition, and that is a fair, transparent, and open competition. The taxpayer watching these proceedings today would really wonder. The government says there has been competition, in fact, and both you and the previous Eurofighter presenters indicated very strongly that you can meet the requirements as outlined in the high-level mandatory capabilities of Canada's next generation as outlined by General Deschamps, I believe before this committee on October 28. Both you and Eurofighter have indicated you can do it for either similar or less cost. You're both prepared to guarantee economic benefits, industrial benefits for this country.
I realize that this is a very cut-throat operation in terms of international competition. You may suggest to me for my first question that I should ask the Norwegian government, but I'm curious. There is a published report that recent American memos indicate that Saab could have been treated unfairly in competition for the replacement of Norway's F-16s because the American government withheld radar technology for the Gripen until the Norwegian competition was complete. Do you believe that withholding this vital technology had any effect on Norway's decision with regard to the F-35s?