National

Joly says Canada 'didn't get enough' benefits out of F-35 procurement deal

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Nov, 2025 11:24 AM

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the Liberal government believes Canada "didn't get enough" industrial benefits out of its contract for American-made F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Talking to reporters on Parliament Hill today, Joly said the government needs "more jobs created out of the F-35 contract."

Her comments come as the Swedish firm Saab considers whether to set up shop in Canada to build its Gripen fighter jets in response to a spike in demand from Ukraine.

Joly says the Swedish defence company is pitching production that could create 10,000 jobs in Canada — but Ottawa will have to kick the tires on the offer.

The federal government has committed to buying the first 16 F-35A jets made by Lockheed Martin out of a planned purchase of 88 to replace Canada's aging fleet of CF‑18 Hornets.

But the Liberal government launched a review of the rest of the procurement of 88 F-35s in the spring, after U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with Canada.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Mark Carney will maintain oil and gas emissions cap, environment minister says

Environment Minister Terry Duguid says a Mark Carney government will maintain a cap on oil and gas production emissions. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Duguid says Canada wants the energy but not the pollution that comes with its production.

Mark Carney will maintain oil and gas emissions cap, environment minister says

In latest blow to Tesla, regulators recall nearly all Cybertrucks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall, which covers more than 46,000 Cybertrucks, warned that an exterior panel that runs along the left and right sight of the windshield can detach while driving, creating a dangerous road hazard for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

In latest blow to Tesla, regulators recall nearly all Cybertrucks

Federal government commits $187M to rebuild critical infrastructure in Jasper

More financial support is on the way for fire-ravaged Jasper, Alta., as the federal government has announced $187 million in new funding for the town's rebuild. It is the largest funding package to be announced since a runaway wildfire ripped through Jasper National Park and destroyed a third of the town last July.

Federal government commits $187M to rebuild critical infrastructure in Jasper

Confused about Mark Carney's blind trust? Here's how they work

Prime Minister Mark Carney's critics have been asking pointed questions lately about the assets in the former central banker's blind trust — a tool meant to allow politicians to avoid conflicts of interest. How do blind trusts work?

Confused about Mark Carney's blind trust? Here's how they work

B.C. Greens want answers about New Democrats' emergency powers legislation

Interim Leader Jeremy Valeriote said in a statement that while he understands the "urgency of the situation" given the ongoing trade strife with the United States, the proposed Bill 7 in its current form has "vague wording" and "could allow for sweeping economic decisions without clear limits or transparency."

B.C. Greens want answers about New Democrats' emergency powers legislation

Poilievre wants 'shovel ready zones' with pre-approved construction permits

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to create what he calls "shovel ready zones" that would have pre-approved permits for major projects resources or energy projects. In a media statement, Poilievre says that the goal is to permits in place for a mine, liquefied natural gas plant, pipeline or other major project.