Mr. Speaker, a military contract like this one could be a lifesaver for Canada's struggling aerospace industry.
While many subcontracts for civilian aircraft are awarded internationally, military contracts are more resistant to this kind of transfer to other countries. What defies understanding is that the Conservatives are about to give a $10 billion contract to the Americans, without going to tender and with no guarantees regarding regional industrial benefits.
If the Americans can impose their ITAR rules in our factories, why can we not at least have our fair share of the pie for our own planes?