RCAF yet to be ordered to look at aircraft options other than F-35

Information shared with a reporter is incorrect.

Work continues on the evaluation of options to sustain a fighter jet capability well into the 21st century.
The options analysis is a full evaluation of choices, not simply a refresh of the work that was done before.
This detailed evaluation will provide the best available information about the range of choices that could do the job required.

The work is being led by National Defence and facilitated by the National Fighter Procurement Secretariat.

Senior departmental officials meet regularly with the secretariat to update on progress made and the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Air Force work on options analysis.

Canadian Air Force press release