Mr. Chairman, it is a pleasure to address this issue today. A moment ago my friend was speaking about CFB Suffield which is in my riding. I know people in my riding would be very upset with me if I did not express their thanks to members of the Canadian military for the fantastic job they have done with limited resources and for what they are doing in Afghanistan. The people across the country need to know that our thoughts and prayers are with their families through a very difficult time.
I want to move on to a very serious subject. It has to do with Challenger jets.
When was the minister first informed that the Government of Canada was going to purchase the new Challenger aircraft?