Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, welcomed the Auditor General's report on the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy:
"In an increasingly complex world, the service of our Canadian Armed Forces is of the utmost importance for defending Canada and securing our sovereignty. Canada's military needs to be well equipped to keep us strong at home, secure in North America and engaged in the world.
"The ITB Policy leverages large defence procurements to create and maintain highly skilled jobs and generate economic growth for Canadians. The ITB Policy's support of Canada's defence sector reflects the importance of fostering homegrown innovation and developing our industrial capacity, given industry's critical role in supporting Canada's national security. Overdependence on international suppliers creates significant risk when there are competing global demands. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will continue to work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and National Defence (DND) to improve the ITB Policy, including through the Defence Procurement Review that is currently under way.
"As recommended by the Office of the Auditor General, the government will seek to:
