Unions representing the Department of Defence’s 24,000 civilian employees are calling on the Liberal government to postpone signing a key multi-billion dollar maintenance contract for new navy ships amid concerns about the unprecedented removal of Vice Admiral Mark Norman from his position as the military’s second-in-command. Norman was removed as vice-chief of the defence staff on Jan. 9 by Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Jon Vance, who has offered no explanation for his action. RelatedPublic Services and Procurement Canada is in negotiations with French defence giant Thales on the maintenance contract for the two fleets. Sajjan’s office said Tuesday it had received the letter, but that the contract is the responsibility of Public Services and Procurement Canada. Norman’s removal also factored into a number of defence firms asking the federal government to delay bidding on another shipbuilding program, that of the Canadian Surface Combatant.

Source: National Post March 09, 2017 00:56 UTC