Mr. Speaker, there have been millions of dollars spent already on this contract. I agree with the hon. member that the contract is not being delivered on schedule and that it is over budget.
We are negotiating with Hughes to try to find a solution to the problem. The hon. member would know that the contract was entered into a number of years ago. It came to my attention that there were problems with it and I immediately informed the auditor general of my concerns. I have discussed the matter with my deputy minister. We are going to try to find a solution to it.
The problem we face with Hughes I think the hon. member would recognize as a good reason why we should proceed
rapidly with the commercialization of the air navigation system to ensure that those who deliver the service, the people who use the service, and especially those who pay for it have a direct say in how these services are built and maintained.