Defence minister says Cyclone helicopter deal ‘worst’ in Canada’s history

HALIFAX – Defence Minister Peter MacKay says a deal to buy a long-promised new fleet of helicopters for the air force is the “worst procurement” in Canada’s history.

Last month, Sikorsky International Operations missed a deadline to begin delivering the first batch of 28 CH-148 Cyclones.

MacKay, who was in Halifax today for a shipbuilding announcement, said the federal government is pushing as hard as possible to deliver the choppers.

The new helicopters are intended to replace the nearly half-century old Sea Kings, which have been plagued by technical problems.

The first Cyclone was originally due in November 2008, but there have been numerous delays and cost overruns with the procurement.

When originally proposed 12 years ago, the cost of the procurement was expected to be $2.8 billion.

But that has ballooned to an estimated $5.7 billion, according to a 2010 report by former auditor general Sheila Fraser.