WRITER PROFILE
Claude Bachand has been a Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Saint-Jean (Québec) since 1993. He has served Canadians as critic for Indian Affairs and Northern Development for three years, and more recently has also served as critic for Defence and also for Veterans Affairs. He is also active with the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs.
Articles by this writer
Over the years, various procedures have been followed when purchasing military equipment, from long and costly procedures to replace the Sea King helicopters, to the purchase of 16 tactical aircraft at a cost of close to $5 billion.
Four key SAR concerns are the focus of upcoming recommendations from the Bloc Québecois.
Serious problems were raised at NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly.
Before purchasing, it is essential to establish a defence policy, and afterwards develop a military capacity plan.
The awarding of procurement contracts should be an economic bonanza for Canadian companies. Unfortunately, the way these contracts are being awarded seriously limits the industrial benefits that Canadian companies had hoped to reap.
Quebec’s aerospace industry will benefit very little economically, and the taxes paid by Canadians and Quebeckers will flow south.
