“The plane is old. We will use it as long as we can. We are looking at other options for the future.”
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.
“I also care about the Snowbirds. They are very important Canadian symbols. But I am not going to tell pilots to fly unsafe planes. That would be dangerous. You explain how you would keep them safe.”
“You want to cut spending on the military. You're not allowed to talk about the Snowbirds. We're the only adults here. We'll spend lots of money on the military. You can't lecture us.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I don't want to answer the question.”
“You're one to talk. Your party spent less than us. Just agree to spend more of other people's money like we are.”
“That's enough. I get it, the Snowbirds have old planes. We'll keep using them as long as we can. Don't worry about it. I'm not going to propose anything new here.”