Copeland says “stop the nonsense” as F-35 fighter purchase under review

Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland, right, presents a framed scroll honouring the Freedom parade to Col. Dave Turenne, right, Wing Commander at CFB Cold Lake in 2024. 

Mayor Craig Copeland says the purchase of F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin shouldn’t be treated as a political football, following comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney that the massive buy of 88 planes would be reviewed.

As the tariff war goes back and forth, last weekend Carney floated the idea of reviewing the spend of roughly $19 billion, and according to reports, is actively looking at other alternatives.

The billions of dollars in construction work at 4 Wing Cold Lake is slowly beginning in anticipation of the F-35, but now there is uncertainty.

In conversation with Lakeland Connect, Copeland said to “stop the nonsense” and not tinker with the deal.

“It would be tragic for the federal government to walk back the F-35 purchase from Lockheed Martin.

“It’s always concerning when politicians start weighing in on product for the national defense. The government did a big review of what fighter jet to go with, and the F-35 was selected. I think the politicians need to stay out of the business of a plane that’s going to be protecting Canada.

The economic spinoff for Cold Lake and area is massive, with thousands of construction workers with Ellis Don, the main contractor, anticipated for 2026 and 2027. Plus, all the related contracts, hotels, housing, food, and everything else.

Is it just political posturing, particularly in light of a pending federal election, or is there more meat on this bone?

“The F-35 should not become a political football. I think our men and women of the Canadian Forces deserve the best fighter jets in the world. Why wouldn’t we want the best jet to protect Canada?” said Copeland. 

“I think we just got to stop this nonsense and move forward and show confidence that Mr. Trump’s not going to dictate what the Canadian people are going to have for a fighter jet and move forward. And let’s get going here. We’ve waited way too long on replacing of the F-18.”