Discussion · Oral Questions
Jeff Kibble Conservative
“The government picked new military planes without a fair competition, even though the air force did not want them. Now, this bill gives a new government agency more power to hand out military contracts without competition or written reasons. I want the government to explain how this bill improves fairness and accountability.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced a global aircraft project that does not meet operational requirements, to the surprise of the air force. L3Harris Canada and other contenders were not consulted. With no open competition, clearly politics was put ahead of defence. This is not the type of procurement Canada needs. Bill C-40 would bring an updated DIA Crown corporation with no defined procedures. However, there would be 13 exceptions for sole-source contracting, with no written reasons required. How would the government bring open competition and enhanced accountability, when Bill C-40’s focus is on giving the DIA more power and the government less accountability?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced a global aircraft project that does not meet operational requirements, to the surprise of the air force. L3Harris Canada and other contenders were not consulted. With no open competition, clearly politics was put ahead of defence. This is not the type of procurement Canada needs. Bill C-40 would bring an updated DIA Crown corporation with no defined procedures. However, there would be 13 exceptions for sole-source contracting, with no written reasons required. How would the government bring open competition and enhanced accountability, when Bill C-40’s focus is on giving the DIA more power and the government less accountability?