Harjit S. Sajjan

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Mr. Chair, I will talk about one of the fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft which is continuing in this procurement. The government has indicated the capabilities that were required and industry has responded with its proposed solutions. We are now currently reviewing those proposals received from industry in a manner that is fair for all stakeholders. The bid evaluation, which includes aircraft testing, is expected to take about six months and a contract is anticipated to be awarded in late 2016 or early 2017.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Mr. Chair, as I stated earlier, we are taking steps to make the process more efficient. I am working very closely with the Minister of Public Services and Procurement to have joint briefings with our staff. We are working to reduce a lot of the steps in the process. Our goal as we move forward is to reduce some decision processes by at least 50%.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, this is a very big topic as part of our defence review. However, when we look at the Arctic, we should not just look at it strictly from a National Defence perspective. We need to look at it from a complete government perspective. There is the Coast Guard, the environment, and the fisheries aspect of it. We will be taking a much wider perspective in terms of our sovereignty for the Arctic, and defence will be one important aspect of it.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, the question was regarding if ISIS is a threat. ISIS is a threat.

I cannot remember the exact words, but I believe it was if Canadians should fear ISIS.

It is our job as leaders to give confidence to Canadians that their agencies, whether they are the military, police forces, or other security agencies, will take care of them. Our agencies are up to the task.

Regardless, we need to remain vigilant. ISIS is a threat, and we are part of that fight against it.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, as I stated, regardless of the fighter that replaces our CF-18s, we will make sure that Canada does receive the industrial benefits.

There are many newspaper reports out there. However, I can assure you that we will make sure of, and we are fighting for, the ITBs for Canada.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, yes, absolutely, this will be part of any of our procurement projects, especially for the replacement of our fighters.

Just to remind the member on the F-35, it has been $700 million; however, we had to invest $300 million, as well, so it is a net benefit of $400 million for that.

Regardless of what we purchase, Canadian industries will have a benefit.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, I wish I could give you a time frame for that.

However, when I have accurate information that I can provide, I will do so in an open manner, as I have done with everything else.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, our government is committed to replacing the F-18 fighter.

We are working diligently right now, as I stated. Even though the defence review is going on, this project is on a separate track. I do not have an update for the committee members yet, but when I do, we will announce it.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, actually the projects are not ready. This is to protect the money, to make sure it is there when we need it. This is a schedule that I received once I became minister. However, I am working diligently to speed up the process on different projects to make them move faster. We will re-profile the money back if and when it is needed.

[Business of Supply, May 16th, 2016]

Madam Chair, the projects are the Arctic offshore patrol ships, the replacement of our fighters, the maritime helicopter project, the Halifax class frigate modernization, and the integrated soldier system. These are all on the same timeline as the previous government.

I would also like to remind the member that, when it came to re-profiling, the former government re-profiled $10.3 billion between 2008 and 2015, so for the definition he should just look back.