Our audit found that there were some cost increases that were well within DND's control and others that were outside of their control, such as foreign exchange fluctuation, global demand for munitions, and inflation. Those are all outside of DND's control. It would have happened no matter what jet was chosen.
I do think that National Defence has some difficulties in moving forward on projects. All parties should agree on what the Canadian Armed Forces need, and then we should allow the public service and the Canadian Armed Forces to deliver. It isn't about a party decision; this is about the sovereignty and security of Canada. I think that we should support the department in moving forward with that.
Could they do things better? Absolutely. There were delays in construction; there was uncertainty; they used outdated information. That's why we issued recommendations about a constant need for better budgeting and more accurate tracking of costs, but also for more proactive risk management.