House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 44% of the vote.
National Defence December 15th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the development phase of the F-35 program continues with our partners. The issues that are being talked about of recent date are being addressed as we speak. The U.S. is committed, as are other countries. We remain fixed on our choice. It is a good choice for our men and women, for the future, and for taxpayers in this country.
National Defence December 14th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, both the chief of air staff and I have been clear. We are planning for long-term F-35 training to take place in Canada, just as currently is done with the CF-18s.
The vast majority of Canadian F-35 pilots will be training in Canada. It is reasonable that Canadians will do initial training with those from whom we purchased the aircraft, which has always been the case.
National Defence December 14th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am really amused by the quick reference to notes, while the member opposite relies heavily on them.
However, the secretary of defense, Mr. Panetta, spoke recently about the commitment that the U.S. had, along with the nine countries, to ensure the F-35 program continued. It is on track. We are part of that process and we will continue to be.
National Defence December 14th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the construct of that question illustrates an absolute desperation.
My response about training that I gave on November 4 was, “We are moving training to Canada”. The chief of air staff stated, “My intention is to move training to Canada”.
We are both right, while the member opposite is wrong.
National Defence December 13th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely puzzled by the constant refrain and sarcasm, but nonetheless, if I can repeat for the hon. member who is not listening, our plan is on track. We will be delivering to our men and women in the air force the best equipment to enable them to carry out their duties in an effective and safe manner.
National Defence December 13th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, we have a plan to give our pilots the best equipment available, and we will not apologize for that.
The F-35 is a plane for now and for decades to come. Our plan is on track, and we will continue to work with our allies on this plan.
Questions on the Order Paper December 12th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the joint strike fighter, JSF, partnership, together with eight other nations, and as a signatory to the JSF memorandum of understanding, MOU, Canada was provided unparalleled access to classified aircraft capability information by the U.S.-led Joint Strike Fighter Program Office. Applying the principles of the Access to Information Act, specific information concerning aircraft capability has been withheld in accordance with subsection 13(1), as it is considered information obtained from other governments. In addition, access to aircraft capability and systems integration demonstrations was available through participation in joint strike fighter program simulator events.
The capability options for the joint strike fighter, i.e., the aircraft and its associated sustainment and training systems, were measured against the Royal Canadian Air Force-approved high-level mandatory capabilities and their associated mandatory requirements. If an option was unable to meet one or more of the mandatory requirements, the option would be deemed unable to perform the missions that Canada needed from its next generation fighter capability. The F-35 joint strike fighter was the only option for the Royal Canadian Air Force that met all of the mandatory requirements. In particular, mandatory requirements associated with survivability, interoperability, and sensors and data fusion were met only by the F-35 joint strike fighter.
National Defence December 12th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, our plan is on track. We are intending to buy the best aircraft for our men and women in the services. That aircraft is the F-35, which Canada, along with eight other partners, feels is the best aircraft for our men and women. Our plan is on track.
National Defence December 12th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, even my grandchildren would not stoop to answer that silly question.
National Defence December 12th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, while the member opposite continues to criticize our decision to purchase the best equipment for our men and women in the services, we intend to continue with the program. The program is on track creating jobs right across the country, in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Why does the member opposite want to kill Canadian jobs?