This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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The Auditor-General Michael Ferguson furiously snubs all the criticism of his report on the Harper government’s stealth fighter program saying he stands firm on all that is mentioned in the report.
“I am concerned with suggestions that accurate estimation and the inclusion of personnel, operating and maintenance costs are not important, since they would be incurred regardless of the aircraft selected to replace the CF-18,” Ferguson said in his opening remarks to the House of Commons public accounts committee Tuesday.
Ferguson said no matter what critics might say he backs the facts and figures in his April 3 audit, which triggered a political debate. The report directly blames National Defence for hiding the real cost of the F-35 program.
According to the report, the National Defence did not show $10 billion expenses to the public that were apparently used in operations. It also points a finger at Public Works for not asking for more explanation for the sole-source purchase.
“In each case, announcements and communications focused only on the costs of acquisition and sustainment, never did we talk about operating costs. Our approach to costing has never been characterized as full lifecycle, our approach has been consistent and compliant with Treasury Board policy and guidance,” said Robert Fonberg, deputy minister of the Department of National Defence.
On the other hand, Defence Minister Peter MacKay disregarded the matter by calling it an accounting difference, while Ferguson urges Treasury Board to use life-cycle costing method. Ferguson’s method of calculating costs – service life of the aircraft and operational expenses – is seen with a skeptic eye.
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