Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
This week, the Minister of Public Works categorically refused to break off negotiations with Agusta regarding the settlement to be paid for the cancellation of the EH-101 contract. However, during the investigation in Europe regarding Belgium's EH-101 purchase contract, senior executives at Agusta revealed that the company is in the habit of giving kick-backs to obtain contracts.
In light of these rather troubling developments, how can the minister refuse to investigate the circumstances surrounding the federal government's EH-101 contract with the company? What guarantees can the minister give to the House that the company did not use bribery to get its contract with Canada?