Debates of May 19th, 2022

Public Works and Government Services—Main Estimates, 2022-23

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Madam Chair, could the minister explain or comment on the multipronged approach that we have taken on making sure that we have not only secured vaccines internationally, but also build domestic capacity and investments in research and development?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, we are making significant investments. We believe that domestic production is important. We want to have vaccines produced here, which is why agreements like the memorandum of understanding with Moderna is very important. We are going to continue to invest in domestic supply and production. I am very pleased that we are able to do that, and we will support these companies locally.

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Madam Chair, could the minister comment on the ongoing investment and our plan going forward with the vaccine, the supplies and therapeutics that we are procuring to ensure that Canadians continue to be protected?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, we do have sufficient contracts to ensure moving forward we have a supply of vaccines and those contracts also provide provisions so that, as new formulas arise, we get access to those formulas. In addition to this, as I mentioned earlier, 1.7 million doses for the therapeutics, which is extremely important. Shipments of more than 30,000 Paxlovid treatments have come in, and we expect many more in order to ensure that Canadians have access to that important treatment.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, what is the expected life cycle cost to purchase, operate and maintain the F-35 aircraft, assuming a 30-year life span?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Minister of Public Services and Procurement]

Madam Chair, I am really pleased that my hon. colleague is asking this question because we have implemented a competitive procurement process with respect to the fighter jets. We are going to get the best deal for Canadians.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, what is the expected purchase cost?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, as I have said, we are going to get the best price for this plane because of the competitive process, and we are in negotiation now.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, Canadians deserve better than that. This is a multi-billion dollar project. What will the purchase cost be?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, the amount that was set aside was $19 billion, but as I have said, this is in the negotiation stage. Those details, of course, cannot be revealed.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, does the minister not know, or will she not share? She has stated previously that transparency is a major issue for the government.

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, if we were to share, in the midst of a negotiation, what the purchase price was, that would not be in the best interests of Canadians.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, what is the specific version or block of the F-35s Canada will be receiving?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, again, these are in negotiation. Now, they are talking about the details. They are ironing out those details. We look forward to an agreement being reached by the end of this year.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, this is an important question. The exact type or block is not a negotiation issue, it is what is available. What will be the block or type of F-35 Canada will be procuring?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, as I have said, this is in the midst of extensive negotiations. Those details are being negotiated right now.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, what is the expected delivery date if the contract is signed this year?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, the expected date is 2025 for the first delivery.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, sources in the U.S. tell us that we are so late in procuring the F-35 that it will not be available until 2030. Is this correct?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, the expected date of delivery at this point is 2025, based on negotiations.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, why is it taking seven months or more to negotiate a contract?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, this is a complex and complicated contract. It is a significant amount of money. We are going to get it right.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, the terms and conditions have already been specified in the RFP and agreed to by Lockheed Martin, so why is there a seven-month delay?

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Madam Chair, there are actually a lot of details that have to be worked out. These are important details. Our military is depending on us. We are going to get it right.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Chair, wow. Other major purchases have been negotiated within months. Why is it taking seven months for the F-35?