Report urges Ottawa to get tough on helicopter deal

Ottawa needs to “get tough” with the American helicopter manufacturer that is more than four years late in delivering a replacement to the Canadian Forces’ nearly 50-year-old Sea Kings, say two military experts.

In a report scheduled for release on Monday, UBC professor Michael Byers and military analyst Stewart Webb argue that ongoing delays and cost increases raise the question “of whether Canada should simply cancel the contract and start the procurement process over again.”

The report is entitled “The worst procurement in the history of Canada,” quoting from Defence Minister Peter MacKay’s characterization of the $5.7-billion purchase last year.

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