Debates of Nov. 15th, 2004

Supply

[Bill Casey, Conservative, North Nova, NS]

Madam Speaker, I want to point out to the parliamentary secretary that the allegations were made by the captain of the submarine Victoria . He suggested that the ammunition was not stored in compliance with ammunition regulations. He also said that the situation on the sub was unacceptable and it was a class-wide issue.

Perhaps the parliamentary secretary would commit to provide the report that overrules the statements of the captain of the Victoria on the unsatisfactory condition report. The parliamentary secretary said that they went over that and decided he was wrong. I would like to have a copy of the report that overrules the captain.

Another thing I wonder if the parliamentary secretary could help me with is this. On February 9 the Minister of National Defence said that the contract to refit the Preserver was scheduled to be completed on November 19, which is Friday. The contract is to be completed at a cost $18,003,609, HST included.

Could the parliamentary secretary provide us with an answer now? Will the Preserver contract be completed on Friday? I know he had no notice this would happen. Perhaps he could commit to provide us with the answer if he does not know the answer.

[Keith Martin, Liberal, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Naturally, Madam Speaker, I would be very happy to work with the member on any questions that he has on these or other issues. I also want to emphasize for the public, since the member did pose the question on the subs, that I think it is very important to listen to those who are the experts in this, and not us as politicians because we are not experts in military matters.

I sit on the defence committee and I can tell the hon. member that every single individual who has come in front of the defence committee has said that the submarines we purchased are excellent submarines. They are a great value and are very important for the operations of our military, the defence of Canada and of our sovereignty.

It would be absurd for Canada, a country that has the longest coastline in the world, not to have submarines when 40 other countries have them. We need those submarines. The department and the government made the right decision for the right reasons to purchase excellent submarines with excellent operational platforms for the betterment of our country. The subs were a good decision for the right reasons.

Again, I would be happy to work with the member on any questions he may have.

[The Acting Speaker (Hon. Jean Augustine)]

The motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted.

Accordingly this House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 7:32 p.m.)