“I want the government to keep spending money on a program that puts on air shows in my riding. The government isn't telling me its plans for the program. I want the government to promise it will keep the program going.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
National Defence
The opposition asked the government about the future of the Snowbirds air demonstration squadron, given the aging fleet of Tutor aircraft. The government said the Snowbirds will continue as long as it is feasible and safe with the current planes, but did not commit to replacing them. The opposition accused the government of undermining military morale and tradition by not committing to the Snowbirds' future. The government accused the opposition of wanting to put pilots at risk by keeping old planes flying.
“The Snowbirds inspire Canadians. They make me feel good. I want the Liberals to keep the Snowbirds. Why do the bad Liberals want to take my Snowbirds away?”
“The military is in bad shape. You hurt its morale and erased its traditions. Now the Snowbirds are at risk. The Snowbirds make Canada look good. Allies like them. You must spend money to save the Snowbirds.”
“I'm shouting out a slogan so you'll save a program in my riding.”
“The Snowbirds are important to Canadians. The Liberals had 11 years to fix them. But here we are. The minister is dodging questions and claiming we're the ones putting pilots at risk. That's ridiculous. He should have made sure the Snowbirds could keep flying safely.”