Courtney - unfortunately, the current Canadian Government has a fine track record of ignoring the professionals in every field - and muzzling them. Basically, the PM does what the heck he likes as long as it won't lose him the next election, and he luuurves big business. The problem of senior military men going along with whatever the poli's want is a worldwide problem, and Canada is not immune. I don't know whether the current top brass agree with the PM, or disagree and will speak their minds, or will shut up and change the threat to meet the capability. This is why I wondered about Beag's source.
Personally, I'd take the Rafale offer. It fits what Canada needs in almost every respect, and I think we can live without 5th gen.