The Canadian government's decision to buy two Bombardier Challenger 604 business jets in 2002 for C$101 million ($76 million) has been slammed by auditor-general Sheila Fraser, who says the purchase was unnecessary as there was nothing wrong with the existing fleet.
The acquisition also ignored government rules for making such large purchases, says Fraser, while the government was told by one of its own departments that the existing fleet of six business jets were probably good for another eight years of service.
Fraser's report also raises questions about the close relationship between Ottawa and Bombardier, which it says has received federal subsidies and contracts over several years.
Source: Flight International