The Liberal Party of Canada, earlier today, released the 15-second ad (above) which it says will air across the country. By the end of the day, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and Aéro Montréal had joined the Conservatives in denouncing the ads.
The tone of the release from the AIAC ( IAC comments on Official Opposition's fundamental lack of understanding of the importance of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to the Canadian Aerospace industry ) was pretty dismissive. Key quote:
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) today deplored a fundamental lack of understanding of the strategic importance of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program to the Canadian Aerospace Industry as demonstrated in television ads posted on the Web this morning.
“The Government of Canada has participated in the JSF initiative for almost 15 years and an acquisition decision to acquire 65 aircraft to replace our aging CF-18 fleet was finally made earlier this year. Moreover, many of our members are now pursuing JSF contract opportunities with the determination and confidence that defines our industry,” said Dr. Claude Lajeunesse, CEO of the AIAC. “And the doubt and dithering signals that internal political debates send to the world will only result in the loss of opportunities and much needed high-skill, high-value added and long-term jobs for Canadians from coast to coast.”
The release from Aéro Montréal, which represents aerospace industries in the Montreal region, is less partisan and seems less interested in picking a fight with Liberals. Still, it didn't seem too pleased with the ad. Read the whole thing here: Ottawa Official Opposition's new television ads – Aéro Montréal reiterates the importance of the acquisition of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jets for the aerospace industry but here's what amounts to the juiciest quote:
“To maximize the benefits of this decision for the industry, we need a stable environment. That's why Aéro Montréal supports the federal government's decision to proceed with the purchase of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets. By working together, we can protect and create thousands of high-quality and well paid jobs that will be available for future generations. “
In the meantime, former diplomat Mark Collins has an interesting comment on some of the troubles the F-35 program is getting into in the U.S.
Surprise surprise, the aerospace industry is upset that the citizens of this country aren't enthused about handing them $16b without a proper ontract tendering process. I don't blame them for disliking criticism of taxpayers handing them money, but come on, as a taxpayer I don't want to pay any more for these than I have to.
This is well worth the whole read; CDI is quite critical of Pentagon:
“January 21, 2011
F-35 Testimony to Canada's House of Commons
In December, I was asked by the Standing Committee on National Defence in the Canadian House of Commons to testify on Canada's purchase of the F-35. I was unable to appear in person but submitted – in early December – a written statement that I am now permitted to release. As a non-Canadian, I was reluctant to offer specific recommendations; accordingly, my testimony focused on three questions:
1) What will Canada’s F-35As cost?
2) What will Canada obtain for that expense?
3) Is there a good reason to wait?
The answers to the first two questions are unknown to Canada. Those answers are also unknown to the United States. Some will argue that Secretary of Defense Gates is exercising the right precaution by suspending F-36B production and proceeding with the F-35A and C. He is not; just like the Canadians, he is proposing that the government start purchasing the F-35A and C now, and find out what the actual cost and performance for the aircraft is later. We know what the result will be; we have done the same thing many times in the past, and our defenses have suffered for it.
My explanation to the Canadians follows; I believe it is also appropriate to the United States.
Statement in Writing
Winslow T. Wheeler
Director, Straus Military Reform Project
Center for Defense Information
Washington, D.C.
…”
And see also this further post of mine at the Canadian Defence & Foreign Affairs Institute's 3Ds Blog:
“USAF Making Plans for Delays Past 2016 in F-35’s IOC”
Canadian content, going well beyond the F-35 in terms of defence policy and equipment, is in the second part of the post.
Mark
Ottawa