Protesters rally outside MP Jagmeet Singh’s Burnaby office against government purchase of fighter jets

A group of peace activists gathered in front of MP Jagmeet Singh’s office in Burnaby, Friday, to protest the Canadian government’s investment in the F-35 fighter jets as part of Canada’s ‘Stronger, Secure, Engaged’. The protest is part of the national weekend of action, with protests taking place in various cities across Canada.

“We are here because the government of Canada is now in the process of purchasing 16 of the planned 88 new fighter jets,” Janine Solanki, an organizer from Mobilization Against War and Occupation said.

The Canadian government announced last spring that they have now entered the finalization phase of the procurement process with Lockheed Martin, an American manufacturing company, for the F-35 jets. A project that has been in the works since 2017.

“We need all MPs to stand up and talk against the fighter jets purchase and so far the NDP has not. They released a statement a few months ago mildly criticizing the purchase just saying the jets should be made in Canada and not purchased from the U.S.A,” Solanki said.

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Protesters claim that the price of the warplanes will cost $77 billion. The Canadian government is projecting $15 billion to $19 billion. Solanki is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and all members of Parliament to redirect the money toward other necessities.

“That is $77 billion that could go towards affordable education, affordable housing, climate solutions that we desperately need, unemployment solutions. We need this money for many other things not for killing people abroad and wars.”

What the activists want is for the Canadian government to scrap the contract with Lockheed Martin. A

According to the Canadian government, it needs 88 advanced fighter aircraft to contribute to the safety and security of Canadians and to meet Canada’s international obligations.