There’s an old adage that says if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That goes for the government’s job projections for the F-35 stealth fighter. The truth is that the F-35 stealth fighter project could actually cost Canada more jobs than it will create.
This deal is unlike previous military aircraft deals in that the government has failed to require the U.S. manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, to invest an amount equivalent to the estimated $16 billion contract in Canada.
Instead, the government says it has identified up to $12 billion in contracts that companies can bid on. And who will decide the winners of those contracts? Lockheed Martin, using our tax dollars.
Which would you rather have: the chance to bid on $12 billion in contracts, or guarantees of $16 billion in contracts? Canadian workers should not be asked to just sit back and hope that Lockheed Martin will send contracts to Canada out of the goodness of its heart. Those dollars should require guaranteed investment and jobs in Canada of equivalent value: a dollar for a dollar.
My organization represents 10,000 people employed in Canada's aerospace industry, and we have seen our international standing slipping from fourth to fifth place under this government. You can't feed kids and send them to school on wishful thinking. The government is spending a lot of our money — it needs to do a better job.
Ken Lewenza
national president
Canadian Auto Workers
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