Canada shouldn't buy the F35. The Saab is a less capable plane, for sure, but it doesn't leave Canada (and it's defense) dependent on the US at a time when the president is openly floating the idea of "acquiring" Canada.
The F35 also leaves Canada vulnerable to US policy, in as much as we're risking autonomy around any decision we make that isn't aligned with US interests, as long as we're dependent on their planes.
(it's beyond the scope of the current conversation but Canada's more pressing problem is having enough pilots and getting them enough flight hours)
If we let it get that far and I am still around, will be gunning for my fellow Americans. Cause at that point, fuck them.
Even if I get got after one, will send a message to the rest not all their old neighbors are on their side.
You have nothing to win by thinking "as soon as they want to invade us, we will just give up, so let's just be an easy target"