Madam Chairman, I am sure the issue of this procurement is one that will preoccupy me and the Minister of National Defence in a major way in the weeks ahead. It is obviously a large acquisition by the Government of Canada.
At the moment certain steps have been taken and are ongoing. There was a prequalification letter published in draft form in the early part of this year with respect to the latest specifications for the basic vehicle for the maritime helicopter purchase. There was a feedback period that went until the middle of March for industry to respond to the draft letter. Its input is now being reviewed and assessed. There is an ongoing dialogue with the industry. The objective is to ensure that when the procurement actually does occur, it will be absolutely above reproach, it will be fair, open and transparent and it will not subject to challenge.
One can imagine that this is a complex process. These are highly complicated machines. It is not like the simple acquisition of the ordinary family car. We have a lot things to take into account to ensure that the process is fair and that taxpayers receive the best value available. To facilitate that along the way, we have used and will continue to use independent fairness monitors to ensure we are handling it properly.
I want to assure the hon. gentleman that this will be a major preoccupation. I take his point seriously, that this is an important issue and it is one that I have no intention of treating lightly.