Merci beaucoup. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I actually will be very brief. I appreciate this opportunity to join you today to discuss chapter 6 of the 2010 fall report of the Auditor General pertaining to the procurement of new military helicopters.
As you noted, I'm joined today by the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Donaldson; by Don Ross, Assistant Deputy Minister, Materiel; and by Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of the Air Staff.
The CH-148 Cyclone and the CH-147 Chinook helicopters are both essential capabilities. They will enable the Canadian Forces to do what is asked of them by their government, which is to deliver excellence in missions at home, on the continent and around the world, as outlined in the Canada First defence strategy.
These helicopters will also ensure the highest possible level of safety for the troops who will use them.
As the Auditor General noted, major military procurement projects are extremely complex. That said, both projects are on track to remain well within their approved funding envelopes.
Mr. Chairman, the National Defence team operates at the highest standards of integrity and excellence, and we continually seek ways to improve the efficiency, the effectiveness, and the transparency of our procurement processes.
That is why we accept all the recommendations put forward in chapter 6. In fact, we are already implementing a detailed action plan—a copy of which has been shared with the committee—that will address the report's recommendations.
We welcome this opportunity, joined by my colleagues from Defence and the Canadian Forces, as well as my colleagues from Treasury Board and Public Works, to address any questions you might have.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.