Government Operations committee  We can't comment on what transpired between the Canadian and the U.S. government because, quite simply, we don't know. That said, we are very confident that our fully compliant Gripen remains the best fighter for Canada. As we mentioned in our opening comments, Canada's decision to move into the finalization phase to negotiate with the competitor to determine costs, benefits and deliveries—which are mandatory requirements as part of the program—is inconsistent with the FFCP procurement guidance that we were given.

Government Operations committee  At present, we have 50-odd employees across Canada. Like all other companies—not just in the defence industry but in other industries—the fight for talent is really quite intense at the moment. The labour market shortages are something that we are working toward. We are looking at working with a number of different organizations and we are looking into universities.

Government Operations committee  With our current operations in Canada, it isn't. No.

Government Operations committee  Obviously, it's an extremely important issue given the current climate and the climate from the past as well. I would say, before I hand it to my colleague, we have identified it as a concern and an opportunity, for us to work with the indigenous communities in Canada. I'll ask Patrick to speak about what we were looking at as part of the future fighter program, but I'm happy to announce that we are already working with one of the indigenous first nations on Vancouver Island on a program that we are trialling.

Government Operations committee  It's with the T'Sou-ke Nation.

Government Operations committee  Did you want to talk about the...?

Government Operations committee  As you've correctly stated, we are fully compliant with the interoperability and security assessment piece of the program, and we remain committed to that bid that meets those NORAD and the Five Eyes compliances. Regarding the technical capability, I'll hand that over to my colleague to respond to that part.

Government Operations committee  We can't really comment on why the government chose Lockheed Martin. We can comment on the fact that we offered a proposal in which there were no compromises to Canada. It offered budget stability. It offered the right capability for the aircraft in meeting all of the interoperability and security assessments, along with the operational and technical capability of the aircraft.

Government Operations committee  Yes. Your statement regarding what we were offering Canada is correct. We were looking to put not only the transfer of technology but also the ownership of the IP in Canada, so that they could have control over the aircraft for the period of the life of the aircraft. Patrick, do you want to add anything?

Government Operations committee  It's obviously a personal experience-based question. I think the top three would include confidence in your equipment and making sure you have good interaction between defence and industry, which I think is probably the number one that I would put as key. Early interaction between defence and industry is critical in making sure not only are the requirements met, but they are understood and shaped correctly.

Government Operations committee  Thank you for the question. I believe the process was positive. We had a lot of interaction with the Canadian government throughout the process. My colleague here has been part of it for longer than I have. I will defer to him to answer the rest of the question.

Government Operations committee  Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. With me is my colleague, Patrick Palmer, from the “Gripen for Canada” team. Saab has a proud history in the defence and security industry. It dates back over 400 years and includes everything from submarines to fighter jets.