Buried deep in a March 9 ruling, the court said it is possible the government has meddled in the helicopter deal. One of the companies vying for the Sea King replacement contract, EH Industries, had taken the government to court over the bidding process, which the company said was rigged to ensure its Cormorant helicopter couldn't win. In a split decision, the Federal Court concluded the EH appeal was premature, but acknowledged the company may have uncovered evidence of political pressure. That finding by a body with no vested interest in the Sea King sweepstakes was greeted as a major vindication by the companies and politicians critical of the Liberals. They are not supposed to be dictating to the Department of National Defence.
Lobbyists are loath to talk on the record before the contract is awarded.
However, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada recently told the government it is concerned about last year's letter of intent, which the group says is unusual and could unfairly disqualify some companies from the bidding. Ron Kane, the association's vice-president of policy and research, said he is not able to comment on whether political meddling is responsible. The procurement strategy, as outlined, is unclear and seems to disqualify larger companies that might not offer the lowest initial buying price but may be able to guarantee a cheaper price tag over the long-term life of the helicopters, he said. Critics say that, between the lines of the letter of intent, it is obvious that it was carefully crafted to ensure that the French-built Eurocopter Cougar wins the competition. As for the other leading contender, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. of Connecticut, critics say its new S-92 has been disqualified.