Madam Speaker, I share the hon. member's concern and support for the men and women of our forces but on this side of the House we strongly support the decision of the minister and the outstanding job that the minister is doing in accelerating this procurement process.
We recognize that the Sea King fleet needs to be replaced. However there are a number of common misunderstandings with respect to the replacement. To use the word cheapest helicopter or to say best value as a way to exceed the operational requirements as determined by the military is not entirely accurate.
It is well-known that the debate around best value in this procurement is fueled largely by one private sector company which is free to pursue, in whatever way it wishes, this procurement process. However the government has been consistent and it has been clear. The operational requirements for this procurement have been determined by the military. They have not been changed. We believe that the contracting process currently underway will lead to the best possible helicopter as quickly as possibly, and that is exactly what we are doing.