F-35s: Conservatives must present a Plan B

Listen to international partners’ concerns and reconsider the purchase, NDP says

OTTAWA – As Conservative Associate Minister of Defence Julian Fantino meets with F-35 purchasing partners in Washington, the NDP is pressing the Conservatives to adopt a plan B. New Democrats are demanding an open and transparent tender process so the air force can obtain aircraft that meet Canada’s needs.

“Our partners are concerned about delays in deliveries, skyrocketing costs and the poor performance of these planes. This is why they have a plan B,” said Christine Moore, Critic for Military Procurement. “The Conservatives must follow suit with our allies instead of hiding the details from Canadians on this issue.”

“The Conservatives must be transparent and answer Canadians about what exactly the Conservatives are talking about in Washington,” said Matthew Kellway, Deputy Critic for Military Procurement. “The Conservatives shouldn’t be giving a blank cheque to Lockheed Martin before they know the real costs of the F-35s.”

For months, New Democrats have been demanding the Conservatives launch an open and transparent tender process to replace the aging CF-18 fleet. Restarting the procurement process is the only way to ensure Canada will acquire the best aircraft for our needs at the best price.