Mr. Speaker, we are not necessarily saying to spend more, we are saying to spend smarter and it is time the government noticed it.
The government has scaled back the chopper requirements regarding lift and endurance in hot weather. The former project director of the maritime helicopter project has stated that lower standards could mean a significant risk to a safe and credible operation.
These choppers should have been replaced years ago. The Prime Minister knows it, but he deliberately prevented it. He has sacrificed the safety of our Sea King troops for the last 10 years. What is more important, his pride or their protection?