QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Military Procurement
October 2, 2025
Leader, your government promised Canadians transparency on the $33-billion F-35 purchase by committing to release its review report by September 22. That deadline has come and gone, yet Canadians have heard nothing. This is a $33-billion purchase that has already seen costs soar from $19 billion to nearly $28 billion, with over $5 billion more required for its day-to-day operations.
At a time when Canadians expect accountability over our nation’s finances, why is the government breaking its promise and hiding this report?
The government is not hiding a report. I think I answered a question on the F-35 purchase lately in this chamber.
The F-35 is part of a generational investment in our Canadian Armed Forces. The government is procuring a new fleet of fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. I think a few days ago, one of your colleagues asked a question about protecting the Arctic. If you want to protect the Arctic, we need to respond to the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The government is committed to procuring what the air force needs while ensuring economic benefits for Canadians. The government, as I said, will share further updates as they become available.
The date that was set was September 22. Given you referred to our leader’s previous question about the Arctic surveillance flights due to failing equipment, it is all the more important that we see the report.
When will the overdue F-35 review be released? That was my question. I know you say that they’re looking at it, but it was a September 22 deadline.
How can Canadians trust billions of dollars in defence procurement when this government can’t even meet basic deadlines or ensure transparency?
The government reviews all procurement approaches to align with the best interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.
I repeat that the government will share further updates as they become available. That’s the commitment we’ve made, and that’s what we’ll do.
