A major new report released by the Rideau Institute and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calls on the Canadian government to fix the long-running maritime helicopter procurement fiasco.
“The worst procurement in the history of Canada”: Solving the maritime helicopter crisis was written by University of British Columbia political science professor (and Rideau Institute board member) Michael Byers and Stewart Webb, Visiting Research Fellow at the Rideau Institute and Research Associate at the Salt Spring Forum.
2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into service of Canada’s Sea King helicopters, which despite their age and associated risks are still being relied upon by the Canadian Forces.
Twenty years have passed since Prime Minister Jean Chrétien cancelled the contract for EH-101s that were supposed to replace the Sea Kings. Ten years have passed since the Paul Martin government signed a contract for the CH-148 Cyclones with Sikorsky –- and not a single fully operational Cyclone has been delivered to date.
The authors make three recommendations:
- That the government provide full transparency on the Maritime Helicopter Project;
- That the government get tough with Sikorsky regarding the overdue and over-budget CH-148 Cyclone by actually imposing the late penalties, and refusing further top-up funding; and
- That the government commence an accelerated review of off-the-shelf alternatives without further delay, so as to be in a position to negotiate a new contract with another supplier in the event of a continued failure by Sikorsky to fulfill its obligations.
The authors want to see this crisis resolved quickly, setting politics aside, to ensure that our men and women in uniform are properly equipped with the right tools.
“The latest attempt to replace the Sea Kings has become mired in delays and setbacks,” said Stewart Webb. “The government should urgently re-consider its options for replacing these aged and unsafe aircraft.”
“The worst procurement in the history of Canada”: Solving the maritime helicopter crisis is available on the Rideau Institute website.
Photo credit: DND
February 16, 2013 at 10:16 pm
I totally agree with 90 year old Victor. May I just add to his “glorious and free” remark. You think we are in trouble justifying such wording?
What about the American National anthem that has the words “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave”? When that country has drone operators in the mountains of Utah moving joy sticks around to mow down wedding parties and funeral processions with no chance of losing one’s own life or limb in the process, how can the word “brave” possibly remain in the lyrics? Even the word “free” seems rather outrageous when the Patriot Act and detentions without jurous prudence are part of the President’s decree within the federal legal system. So it looks to me as if major changes are required for both countries!
February 12, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Why do the Canadian Taxpayers have to pay for missions in MALI and not restrict our role in the world as PEACEKEEPERS? Our politicians (especially HARPER) ignore the needs of the Canadian people. Their efforts reflect subordination, to the USA or big “Military Industrial Complex”-es. At times I wonder why we consider that our country is “Glorious and Free”. It appears to please the BIG MONEY INTERESTS, – expecting us “naive” citizens to go along with their irresponsible fiscal escapades, while basking in the lap of luxury and pretending that they are acting in the best interest of their electorate.
My apologies for the outburst. I am 90 years old, a retired CGA Management Consultant and simply cannot resist to withhold my opinion in this matter.