Government Operations committee  I'll clarify the situation. The tendering process to replace the CP‑140 Aurora began with a very broad and completely transparent request for information. We received a number of responses. Once those responses were analyzed, as the minister indicated, we came to a very clear conclusion: currently, Boeing's P‑8A Poseidon is the only aircraft that meets all the operational requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces, specifically the Royal Canadian Air Force, as they were explained to us.

Government Operations committee  Currently, it's just over $8.5 billion. That amount is solely for construction, which will probably take between 15 and 16 years. That doesn't include the amounts intended for repairs and refits.

Government Operations committee  Thank you very much. The minister gave a very good answer. The scope of the work, the specifications of the equipment on board and the characteristics of the vessel itself are established by the client organizations, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy, in this case.

Government Operations committee  I thank the member for her question. Under the framework agreement signed recently, the program of work now includes the two Transport Canada passenger ferries. Initially, the two ferries were excluded from the framework agreement. However, after the agreement was signed, the decision was made that the two new Transport Canada vessels would be integrated into the program of work.

Government Operations committee  Thank you very much for your question. Unfortunately, we cannot give a specific date at this time. The minister explained very well earlier where we are in the process. There's not a lot of detail to add. We are really in the final tactical stages of the qualification process.

Government Operations committee  Thank you very much for your question. The answer is no. On the other hand, there are many entities and organizations involved in finalizing the qualification process. So that adds some richness, but also some complexity to the final discussions that need to be had.

Government Operations committee  Maybe as a bit of context for this question, within the defence and marine portfolio right now we're tracking approximately 150-plus projects at different levels of complexity, all addressing client department needs. When we receive a requirement, we always look at a procurement strategy that will fit the procurement, that will fit what's required.

Government Operations committee  Thank you for the question, Mr. Chair. Some very good points were articulated by Ms. Reza. Maybe on top of that I can give a couple more. We want to treat the requirements in a smart way. One thing that we're really focusing on now is maybe changing the paradigm of how we're delivering equipment.

Government Operations committee  Thank you for the question. We're seeing a change as we speak, probably over the last few months, and it's a positive one. I think we are recovering from almost three years of pandemic status within the defence and marine enterprises. We have seen significant pressures on the supply chain.

Government Operations committee  I think the best project in terms of tabling data points would be the Arctic and offshore patrol ships, because there's the run of six and two more for the Coast Guard after. Vessel number one was almost completed when the pandemic hit. The pandemic hit in the spring of 2020. We accepted that vessel that summer.

Government Operations committee  I would like to take a pass and get back to you with the precise information, if I could.

Government Operations committee  To be true to the question, I will say that there is no specific acceleration plan. We have very specific shipbuilding projects that are associated with delivering capability, and we are tracking those.

Government Operations committee  On a one-on-one basis, we don't have a pure replacement project for them. We do have a project called logistics vehicle modernization. It's not exactly the same acronym. That project is with us at the moment. It's in implementation at the Department of National Defence. We have two qualified suppliers.

Government Operations committee  We are in discussions right now with DND for a replacement project for the Leopard tanks. We don't have an exact timeline to share at the moment.

Government Operations committee  The requirement will come from DND. We are in discussions in this regard.