MNI BRIEF:Canada Says F35 Contract Doesn't Provide Enough Jobs

Canada's Industry Minister said the Lockheed Martin contract for F35 fighter jets doesn't provide enough benefits to local firms, speaking Tuesday as Swedish officials visit Ottawa, hoping to shift purchases to their Saab Gripen aircraft. 

"I think Canadians expect more, and we should get more," Melanie Joly told reporters. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been reviewing the contract for 88 U.S. fighter jets worth about CAD75 billion since taking office and has been waiting for weeks for Donald Trump to lift a suspension of trade talks. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Carney Plan Weak On Trump Proofing, Vote Appeal)

"When it comes to the Gripen, of course, we're really interested in seeing what can be done because there was an unsolicited bid that came up, 10,000 jobs is indeed a very interesting offer," Joly said. "I know that Canadians want us to build, build more in Canada, build with Canadian jobs, and that's what I'm pushing for."