Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Minister, welcome.

As a senator from Nunavut, I am concerned about the urgent need to replace our venerable Aurora aircraft, which were procured in 1980. They have been monitoring our Arctic coast faithfully, soon beyond their shelf life. Public Services and Procurement Canada says that the P-8 Poseidon has been identified as the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the Canadian multi-mission aircraft operational requirements. It is noteworthy that our other Five Eyes partners, as well as our allies in the Indo-Pacific, already use the P-8. Interoperability is crucial, as you know.

My question is this: The letter of offer to purchase this badly needed upgrade is set to expire on November 30, 2023. When will your government be signing on the dotted line?