Debates of May 15th, 2019

Department of National Defence—Main Estimates, 2019-20

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, if the member wants to ask further questions regarding the main estimates or the Canadian Armed Forces, I am happy to answer them. The folks within our system are all—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, did the deputy approve Mr. Finn's legal costs?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, I am happy to answer further questions on how we will be supporting the Canadian Armed Forces. This is the type of distraction the Conservatives continually want, trying to take focus—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, the minister said that he regretted what happened to Vice-Admiral Norman, but he would not use the word “apologize”. Yet, he has to meet with Vice-Admiral Norman. Why is that?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, as I stated, it is so important to ensure we keep these processes independent. When the circumstances changed, the criteria were met and I immediately authorized the reimbursement of the legal fees. Yes, I absolutely—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, is the minister personally holding a grudge against Vice-Admiral Norman?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, I respect Vice-Admiral Norman's service to our country, as I do with all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Yes, I just stated that I respect his—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, is he being vindictive, just like the Prime Minister, against this decorated soldier?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, I respect the tremendous service by Vice-Admiral Norman. That is why it is so important to remain completely independent of the process. Immediately, when the circumstances changed—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, what steps and specific actions has the minister taken to ensure Vice-Admiral Norman will be able to return to the Canadian Armed Forces?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, as I stated before, the chief of the defence staff is responsible for the administration and command of the Canadian Armed Forces and all its personnel. They will have a discussion. I asked him to give—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, will Vice-Admiral Norman rejoin free of bias, hatred and vindictiveness, starting with the minister's office, the CDS and all others?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, I completely disagree with the member's insinuations. When it comes to the entire process, it has been independent. That is exactly how we are going to be carrying on from here.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, has the minister or his staff received any direction from the PMO regarding which fighter jets will be eligible for the upcoming request for proposals?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, I am so happy to get a question regarding how we will serve our Canadian Armed Forces members. This entire process is based on a process of open and fair competition. The RFP will be out shortly.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, will the F-35 be eligible for consideration as a replacement for the CF-18s?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, any company that wants to bid on the competition can.

The leader of the member's party stated that he wanted an open competition, but the Conservatives are also now pointing to it. Therefore, I am a little confused. Are they in charge or is the leader in charge?

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Chair, in terms of interoperability with the U.S. Air Force and our commitments through NORAD, is the F-35 the best fit?

[Harjit S. Sajjan, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Chair, the interoperability as part of our NORAD mission is absolutely important, and this is one of the requirements. Through this competition, the right aircraft will be selected.