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National Defence

At question period, members asked about the government’s plan to buy new fighter jets. Alexandre Boulerice said the cost of the F-35 purchase had risen from $19 billion to $28 billion and asked whether the government is considering buying an additional 72 Gripen jets on top of the 72 F-35s, what that would cost, and whether the money would be better spent elsewhere. David McGuinty said the government is acquiring a new fleet for the Royal Canadian Air Force and is reviewing its procurement approaches to meet the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces while benefiting Canadian workers, including in Quebec. A point of order was also raised concerning an unanswered question to the President of the Treasury Board from earlier in question period.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

3 statements

Alexandre Boulerice

Independent
“The price of buying F-35 fighter jets has gone from $19 billion to $28 billion. Now we hear the government might buy 72 more jets. I want to know if that is true, how much it will cost, and if that money should be spent on Canadians instead.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we already knew that the cost of acquiring the F-35s had skyrocketed, going from $19 billion to $28 billion. However, we learned that, in addition to the 72 U.S. jets, the Liberals are thinking of buying another 72 fighter jets, the Gripen, for a potential fleet of 144 fighter jets. The questions are simple. First, is that true? Second, how much will it cost? Lastly, could this money be better invested to meet the needs of Canadians?

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David McGuinty

Liberal
“We are buying new fighter jets for the air force. We are reviewing how we buy them so the military gets what it needs and Canadian workers, including in Quebec, benefit.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 47 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we are acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The member knows that. We are reviewing all procurement approaches so that they align with the interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. We are committed to acquiring what the air force needs, while guaranteeing economic benefits for Canadians, including Quebeckers.

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Andrew Lawton

Conservative
“I want the minister to answer the question he was asked earlier.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. During Oral Questions, the President of the Treasury Board was asked a question. Now that he has had a chance to find the page, would he like to provide an answer?

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