What's the alternative? How many other models can be purchased at all?
Canada went through a bunch of drama to find a replacement for the legacy F/A-18s, and the main options were: Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35, and the Saab Gripen.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning...
Gripen wasn't in the same league, so we basically have the Typhoon and SuperHornet as other options, and both were at least a decade older with regards to their 'base' design (though there have been further upgrades).
So if you're going to be stuck with a plane for 20+ years, you might as well pick the newest model year.
Personally I'd be happy with the Super Hornets (and thrown in some Growlers) for Canada given "6G" fighters are starting to be designed—basically skipping the "5G" F-35—but Boeing were a bunch of dumbasses when the decision was being made:
* https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/18/justin-trudeau-says-canada-w...