Madam Chair, the answer is yes.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 44% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, the answer is yes.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, they are basically working alongside our partner nations' personnel. There are eight other countries involved in the development of the joint strike fighter program. Our people are working in those particular areas. I do not know what more I can answer.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, it appears we have five staff members assigned.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, I do not have that answer available immediately, but we will undertake to provide it to the member opposite.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, if I may again, I would like to remind the member that no decision has been taken. We are awaiting, as recommended by the Auditor General, the response to his concerns with regard to various issues. A secretariat has been put in place to develop independent response and validate those answers. No decision has been taken. I do not know how many more times I have to keep repeating that.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, I would like to confirm for the hon. member the following. We obviously have a need for fighter aircraft. Our new fighters will have to operate in an increasingly complex threat environment characterized by the proliferation of fighters on par with our current fleet, advanced surface-to-air missile systems offering better detection and greater range of action and increased lethality, and integrated air defence systems designed to deny access.
Those decisions will be made once we have the answers that the Auditor General has requested in his recommendation.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, no decision has been taken with regard to the purchase of the F-35. We are committed to ensuring that we continue with the joint strike fighter program, along with our other eight partner nations. We will follow through on the recommendations made by the Auditor General. A decision as yet has not been made with respect to replacing our aging CF-18s.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, yes, indeed, we have adopted the recommendation of the Auditor General. As a result, a secretariat has been put in place. There is a seven-point plan going forward. We are ascribing to ensure that we provide the answers that the Auditor General has required
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, these are rhetorical questions. We are not here to respond for the rationale employed by the Americans or any other nation.
We are endeavouring to act responsibly with respect to Canadians issues and with respect to Canadian sovereignty, and of course in response to the Auditor General's recommendation in following through with the seven-step action plan to fulfill his mandated requirements.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2012
Madam Chair, I believe that we are all people of the world. We should, therefore, be wise and aware of the threats that are inherent out there, but moreover, we have an obligation to ensure Canadian sovereignty. We have obligations with NATO and Norad and other circumstances that require us to have a fully capable, competent and effective military service, which includes our Royal Canadian Air Force.