François Legault’s request for the federal government to issue a call for tenders to replace its fleet of 14 Canadian maritime patrol aircraft does not seem to interest Alberta and Manitoba. The Premier of Quebec, however, received support.
Called to comment on the subject on Tuesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith first indicated that she was not aware of Mr. Legault’s request, then said that her province was trying to attract aviation businesses by providing a conducive business environment.
“I leave it to Mr. Legault to talk about the things he deems important for the federal government, but we do not need the help of the federal government in this regard,” she said on the sidelines. of a meeting with his counterparts as part of the second day of the Council of the Federation which is taking place in Winnipeg.
François Legault believes that Bombardier would be able to meet the federal government’s request, but, according to him, Ottawa wants to give the contract without a call for tenders to the American aviation company Boeing.
On Monday, Prime Minister Legault said he would like to have the support of all his counterparts. Tuesday, asked whether a consensus was absolutely necessary to challenge Ottawa, Mr. Legault replied in the negative. “Doug Ford and I have already applied to the federal government,” he said.
“I have all the confidence in the world in Bombardier. I hope that the federal government will have a fair tendering process and that the best company wins, ”launched the Premier of Ontario on Tuesday.
“I fully support the call made by Quebec”
British Columbia Premier David Eby supports Quebec’s request.
“I fully support the call made by Quebec […] to the federal government to use its procurement process – as other countries do for defense – to develop opportunities for Canadian companies,” he said in a press briefing.
Late Monday, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson held a press conference, but would not comment on Francois Legault’s request.
Boeing has a plant in Winnipeg. Asked whether Ms. Stefanson was in favor of this company receiving the federal contract, the Manitoba Premier replied: “I will continue to support Manitoba companies so that they can develop. It’s always been one of my priorities since I became prime minister and it’s not going to stop,” she said.
The Bloc Québécois stands behind Quebec and Ontario. “Aerospace is a Quebec expertise that must not be let down and Bombardier must be able to participate in the process. 22,000 jobs including more than 6,000 in Quebec could be at stake! “, indicated in writing the spokesman of the Bloc Québécois for aerospace, Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay.
Premiers are due to discuss the matter on Wednesday.
A competitive price
Bombardier says its planes, which could replace aging Canadian maritime patrol aircraft, will be priced competitively with jets offered by US rival Boeing.
Bombardier teamed up this year with the American company General Dynamics to produce a surveillance aircraft equipped with submarine detection technology.
Bombardier’s plane, a modified version of the Global 6500 business jet equipped with General Dynamics technology and sensors, exists only on paper so far, although the manufacturer says the plane will be ready in the early 2030s, in line with government needs.
Both partners are calling on the Government of Canada to launch an open procurement process to replace Lockheed Martin’s 14 CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, which are scheduled to be retired in 2030 after half a century of service by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The price of the 16 P-8A Poseidons and associated equipment that Boeing aims to sell to Ottawa is US$5.9 billion, according to information released June 27 by an agency of the US Department of Defense.