Peter MacKay Says He Regrets Failure To Buy New Fighter Planes

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Jun, 2016 11:43 AM

OTTAWA — Former Conservative defence minister Peter MacKay says he regrets his government didn't move ahead to replace Canada's aging fighter jets.

MacKay says new planes are badly needed and the F-35 is the right choice.

The Tories had pegged the F-35s as the replacement for the existing CF-18s, but the process bogged down over costs and technical concerns.

The Liberals said they wouldn't buy those planes and instead promised to hold an open competition to find a new jet.

But in order to fill what they say are capability gaps in the Royal Canadian Air Force, they may sole-source a different aircraft.

MacKay says the Lockheed-Martin F-35 still beats other planes on the market when it comes to meeting Canada's needs.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Helping seniors share wealth of knowledge through new Elder Bank

The pilot project will reach out to seniors and capture their wealth of knowledge in a Triple “E” Elder Bank that can be accessed by the general public.

Helping seniors share wealth of knowledge through new Elder Bank

Jaylen Sandhu Murder: Surrey Teenager Charged With Second-Degree Stabbing Murder

18-year-old male has been charged with second-degree murder following the December 2014 stabbing that killed 17-year-old Jaylen Sandhu

Jaylen Sandhu Murder: Surrey Teenager Charged With Second-Degree Stabbing Murder

Early Heat Wave In B.C., Has Wildfire Service Hoping For Signs Of Wet June

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — As much of the British Columbia Interior prepares for several days of summer-like temperatures, the provincial wildfire service is taking a longer view.

Early Heat Wave In B.C., Has Wildfire Service Hoping For Signs Of Wet June

RCMP Inestigating After Body Found In Northern B.C., Cause Of Death Unknown

The North District Major Crime Unit has identified the body as possibly belonging to a 51-year-old resident of Fort St. James.

RCMP Inestigating After Body Found In Northern B.C., Cause Of Death Unknown

Does It Pay To Leave The Country For Tax Reasons? Experts Weigh In

CALGARY — So you're a wealthy Canadian whose tax bill is going up. Does it pay to leave the country?

Does It Pay To Leave The Country For Tax Reasons? Experts Weigh In

Canadians Like The Queen, But Her Heir? Not So Much, A Survey Says

A recent survey suggests that while the majority of Canadians are supportive of the Queen as the country's monarch, the same cannot be said for her heir, Prince Charles.