October 6, 2004

Hon. Bill Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence. It seems odd to us that at the same time as the government is contemplating the enormous expense of being involved in George Bush's national missile defence plan, we do not seem to have the money to properly and safely outfit our submariners. Therefore, at the same time as we express concern about the crew of the HMCS Chicoutimi, I want to ask the Minister of National Defence this. Is there an intention on the part of the government to go after the British government for having sold us this equipment in the first place and to go after it for the costs associated with what are obviously inferior submarines?

Hon. Bill Graham (Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister made clear in his answer in the House earlier, the present concern of the government is the welfare of the extraordinary men who are serving aboard the submarine under very difficult conditions with tremendous professional capacity.

The submarines were acquired by the navy because they will serve Canada well in this program.

We of course will be looking at all remedies, but this is not the time to discuss legal action. This is the time to discuss getting the sub home, getting our men safe and looking after what we have to do first.