The Liberal Party of Canada, earlier today, released two TV ads, one of which criticized the government for spending what the Liberals say will be $16 billion to buy F-35 fighter jets. . 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.
Tags: f-35, fighter planes, Liberals, military
