Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation.
I'm pleased to be here to address the Auditor General's second report, “Delivering Canada's Future Fighter Jet Capability”, as it pertains to Public Services and Procurement Canada, or PSPC as it is commonly known.
Although there are no specific recommendations for Public Services and Procurement Canada in the report, I will take this opportunity to highlight our role within the Future Fighter Capability Project.
As noted in the report, PSPC is the contracting authority for fighter aircraft acquisition, and we led the procurement process in support of the Department of National Defence, which is leading on the overall project.
We are also responsible for weapons acquisitions, through the foreign military sales program agreements with the United States government or directly from industry.
In undertaking our central purchasing agent role, we worked closely with our colleagues at National Defence and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, as well as at central agencies including the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, to conduct an open, transparent and fair competitive process while ensuring the best value for Canada.
In January 2023, as Deputy Minister Beck mentioned, Canada finalized an agreement with the United States government and Lockheed Martin, with Pratt & Whitney, for the acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
As you know, in response to an evolving geopolitical situation, the government launched a review of the current F-35 agreement originally put in place by the Department of National Defence to ensure that it remains in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces. The Department of National Defence is now leading on this front, and PSPC stands ready to support any decisions that may result from their review.
In conclusion, Public Services and Procurement Canada remains committed to supporting the Department of National Defence in pursuing the Future Fighter Capability Project and in implementing the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada.
I would be happy to answer any questions the committee may have about the procurement process. Thank you.