Comment: The Liberals were the ones who started the Canadian investment in the F-35. I believe the defense departments intent all along was to buy the F-35. Unfortunately the long delays and the increased cost made the project controversial. 

The Liberals made a stupid campaign promise not to buy the F-35 and at the same time wanted a competition which the F-35 probably would have won. Ackward.

The F-18 purchase is for political expediency and saving face.