politics
Snowbirds Future in Question as Government Begins Search for Replacement Aircraft
Defence Minister David McGuinty announced he will provide updates on the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in Moose Jaw on May 19 and assured Canadians the aerobatic team's future is secure. The statement follows Conservative accusations in the House of Commons that air shows are being told they cannot book the Snowbirds for 2027 and that this summer will be the team's final season.
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Defence Minister David McGuinty said he will be in Moose Jaw on May 19 to provide updates on the future of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. McGuinty stated Canadians can rest assured the Snowbirds' future is secure. He made the comments in a written statement to media late on May 8, 2026, after facing questions in the House of Commons.
Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie stated in question period on May 8, 2026 that air shows across North America are being told they cannot book the Snowbirds for events in 2027. Tolmie stated that this summer will be the Snowbirds' final season.
McGuinty replied that the air force's CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet was first introduced in the 1960s and is now approaching the end of its life. McGuinty stated the Snowbirds will continue air demonstrations so long as the planes remain safe to operate.
"The snowbirds remain committed to their performances," McGuinty said in the House of Commons. He stated the federal government is beginning the process to examine replacement options for the Snowbirds aircraft. McGuinty did not provide a timeline for how long the Snowbirds will remain able to perform.
McGuinty said in a question period exchange that he agrees the Snowbirds are an iconic part of Canadian culture. The Snowbirds were formed in 1971 and have performed at thousands of airshows. Cbc reported that Tolmie told reporters in the House foyer this is completely unacceptable at a time when challenges to Canadian identity and nationhood make grounding an iconic symbol that represents unity a poor choice.
