Madam Chair, the last Liberal budget was a spending spree. There was something for everyone. It was just like an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, one important department was forgotten. As an expert from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute said, this budget was like an episode of Oprah where everybody in the audience gets a car, except the Department of Defence. The Department of Defence had to go home on a scooter. That is what we heard tonight: $3.7 billion that will not be seen for years. If they are not getting the money now, they are seeing a cut.
As we know, there are threats facing Canada. There are terrorist threats, climate change, and the opening of the Northwest Passage.
My question for the minister is about the naval strategy and the ships that are currently being built in Halifax, namely, the Arctic offshore patrol ships.
Minister, my first question is regarding the Arctic offshore patrol ships. Why are you making a cut of $173 million to the ships that are being built in Halifax right now? These ships are important to maintaining the sovereignty of Canada in the Arctic. Why are you cutting these important projects?