Petition launched to keep Snowbirds airborne before new planes arrive in 2030s
· Toronto Sun
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OTTAWA — Keeping the Snowbirds in the air until their new aircraft arrive is the aim of a federal petition.
Posted online on Friday, House of Commons Petition e-7535 calls on the government to ensure the popular Canadian Forces aerobatics team remains active and visible throughout their transition to a replacement aircraft.
“Millions of Canadians across multiple generations have watched the Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform at community events, celebrations and airshows throughout Canada, creating a shared experience that connects Canadians across the country,” says an excerpt of the petition, initiated by Jana Kitts of Moose Jaw, the southwestern Saskatchewan city that the Snowbirds call home.
“The Canadian Forces Snowbirds represent Canadian pride, unity and excellence and serve as ambassadors for Canada through their public performances, community engagement, and military professionalism at home and abroad.”
New aircraft expected next decade
This will be the final airshow season for the Snowbirds in their venerable CT-114 Tutor aircraft — jet trainers that entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force over six decades ago.
Earlier this year, the federal government announced plans to retire the Tutors after this season and ground the team until their replacement aircraft — the turboprop-driven CT-157 Siskin II (RCAF designation for the Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft) — is made available some time in the early 2030s.
The petition is sponsored by Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan MP Fraser Tolmie and as of Monday afternoon had 130 signatures.
Efforts to keep the Snowbirds airborne are also being championed by the City of Moose Jaw .
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Moose Jaw mayor appeals to PM
On June 3, a letter from Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock urged both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty to reconsider.
“Moose Jaw is immensely proud to be home to 15 Wing and the Snowbirds,” says an excerpt from the letter.
“The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron represents a significant source of national pride and plays an important role in our local economy, community identity and Canada’s international reputation.”
Murdock called on the federal government to provide greater clarity on timelines and to consider measures to reduce or eliminate the gap between the grounding of the Tutors and the introduction of the new aircraft.
“Maintaining a visible Snowbirds presence during this transition would help sustain their role as ambassadors of the Canadian Armed Forces and preserve the strong connection they have built with communities across Canada,” Murdock’s letter said.