House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 49% of the vote.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of information, obviously, because we have been part of the F-35 program. Our officials are gathering the information. No decision has been made yet. When we have the appropriate information, we will be making Canadians and the House aware of this.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, because of mismanagement, we have no choice but to extend the CF-18s to 2025, and we are working toward that, but the gap does remain, and we are making sure that we are going to be replacing our CF-18s. We are working diligently to make this happen, because our men and women deserve the best equipment to carry out their missions.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, just to correct the record here, if it was not for the mismanagement of procurement by the previous government, we would not have actually had to extend the CF-18s. We should have purchased new ones so that we did not have this gap that has been created.
However, do not worry, Mr. Speaker, our government is committing to replacing the CF-18s, and we are diligently working toward this.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, as a former serving member in combat, I can assure you that my government and I would never be putting our men and women in vulnerable situations.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to making sure that our men and women have the right equipment, and we will continue to do so in all our services.
National Defence June 9th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, I find it rich that the member is talking about open competition, considering they were going to be sole-sourcing the F-35. Right now we are in the process of doing our due diligence in making sure we have the right information, but no decision been made. However, we will be replacing the fighter.
National Defence June 8th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that our government has fulfilled its commitment and has reversed the policy of the previous Conservative government. Members of Parliament and senators no longer require ministerial approval in order to visit a military establishment. Requests are now only subject to the discretion of the base commander or a commanding officer. It is important for parliamentarians and senators to have unimpeded access to our military all across Canada.
National Defence June 8th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure that in the Canadian Armed Forces our men and women have the right equipment. We want to ensure that our industry also benefits from the right procurement process. We will go through an appropriate evaluation.
When I am good and ready, our government will be announcing it to the House at the appropriate time and to all Canadians.
National Defence June 8th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I will make it very clear. No decision has been made in replacing our CF-18s right now.
National Defence June 8th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I find it ironic and rich for the opposition to talk about an open source full competition, considering they were going to be sole-sourcing the F-35. No decision has been made, but we will be replacing the F-18. When a decision is made, we will be reporting to Canadians and to this House.