Fact check: Lockheed Martin has already been groveling to the government of Canada to not cancel the F35 purchases that haven't already been paid, with promises of "jobs".

1. Summary of the results

The core claim that Lockheed Martin is negotiating with Canada about job creation in relation to F-35 purchases is accurate, but the characterization needs context. Lockheed Martin has made formal proposals for job creation tied to the completion of the full $19-billion contract for 88 jets ^{[1] [2]}. The Canadian government has officially stated that the F-35 acquisition could create approximately 3,300 jobs annually over 25 years and contribute $425 million annually to the Canadian economy ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• Canada is only legally committed to purchasing the first 16 aircraft, not the full 88 ^[1]
• The review of the F-35 contract is primarily driven by geopolitical tensions with the United States, not economic concerns ^[2]
• Defence Minister Bill Blair has confirmed the contract has not been cancelled ^[4]
• 110 Canadian suppliers are already part of the F-35 global supply chain ^[1]
• Canada is exploring alternatives and speaking with other aircraft manufacturers ^[5]
• The NDP's proposal to cancel the contract would involve significant penalties, according to expert Philippe Lagassé ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several biased elements:

• The use of "groveling" is emotionally charged and misleading. Sources indicate Lockheed Martin is engaging in professional business negotiations ^[4]
• The statement implies the job promises are desperate pleas, when they are actually part of the original procurement package and ongoing negotiations ^[3]
• The statement oversimplifies a complex situation involving:
• International relations with the US ^[7]
• Prime Minister Mark Carney's policy review ^[4]
• Legal obligations and penalties ^[6]
• Existing supply chain relationships ^[1]

Those who benefit from this narrative include:

• Opposition parties like the NDP who want to cancel the contract ^[6]
• Competing aircraft manufacturers who are in talks with Canada ^[5]
• Political actors capitalizing on US-Canada tensions ^[7]