Public Accounts committee  I think we have to be careful that we don't generalize what we did in Afghanistan. Much of the kit we bought was specifically for that theatre, for that geography, and for that climate. What we're buying is something that serves us everywhere, especially in Canada. I think we j

Public Accounts committee  Well, sir, I can't answer to how the procurement strategy has evolved. All I can tell you is that the notion of being able to lease or borrow at the right time is fraught with danger. We were very fortunate in Afghanistan. We had a very reliable partner that helped us to ensure w

Public Accounts committee  For the Chinook Foxtrot, the other consideration, environmentally, was self-defence. Although there was a basic suite available to the Foxtrot, the one we went to was the one that is equipped on our other platforms that are dealing with future threats, and the one that the Americ

Public Accounts committee  We do buy off the shelf. There are recent examples of the capabilities that we were seeking existing in military form that we could buy directly; C-17s and the C-130Js are two examples of equipment that was bought off the line, basically as is. In other cases, because of our pa

Public Accounts committee  Yes, we are. Clearly, the acquisition of these platforms is tied to the Canada First defence strategy, which lays out a vision of what the Canadian Forces should be able to do in the future. As we look forward to taking these capabilities on strength, we know full well that they

Public Accounts committee  Clearly, what we buy has to last an awfully long time. I think it's acknowledged in our procurement process that we get the most out of our equipment, and therefore, as we procure equipment, we have that in mind. That's why the requirements are very robust: it's because we don't

Public Accounts committee  Not for the mission ending in 2011.

Public Accounts committee  It was part of the Canadian Forces' development plan for the future.

Public Accounts committee  Could you please repeat the beginning of your question?

Public Accounts committee  Which helicopters are you referring to?

Public Accounts committee  The marine Cyclone helicopters are not currently available.

Public Accounts committee  The new Chinooks are not available. We have Delta Chinooks that we are currently using. They were purchased strictly for the mission in Afghanistan.

Public Accounts committee  No.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you for the question, Mr. Chair.

Public Accounts committee  The acquisition of the Chinook helicopters was not intended for the mission in Afghanistan.