saturn_656 saturn_656:
Chretien, Martin, and Harper all bear varying degrees of responsibility for this mess.
While I'm no Liberal supporter I don't see how Chretien and Martin could share blame for this, but then again I read the articles.
They insisted that the 'dry gear' run be 30 minutes and the Harper govt has accepted them without meeting this widow maker standard.
November 2004
The Liberal government says it will award a $5-billion purchase and 20-year in-service support contract to Sikorsky for 28 CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, as Sea King replacements, with deliveries scheduled to start in November 2008.
December 2008
The Conservative government negotiates first contract extension for delivery of Cyclones, costing taxpayers an additional $117 million.
May 2010
Sikorsky announces an engine upgrade for the Cyclone, pushing deliveries back to 2012; later complications further extend that date to 2015.
October 2010
The federal auditor general harshly criticizes the Cyclone helicopter project, noting delays and projected cost overruns totalling $700 million.
November 2010
Sikorsky faces fines for late delivery totalling $88 million, but government is unclear about how it will collect the fines.
July 2013
Public Works orders an independent analysis into whether Sikorsky can fulfill its contract.
September 2013
Spokeswoman for Public Works Minister Diane Finley confirms Canadian government is considering "other options" for the Sea King replacement. Senior officials soon meet with rival aircraft makers.
January 2014
The Conservative government announces it is sticking with the Cyclone and renegotiates delivery schedule for a third time. The Sea King fleet is to begin retiring in 2015.
more
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scot ... -1.2491268