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National Defence

In question period, members asked about the future of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds after news reports said the team was not scheduled for 2027 air shows. Conservatives asked whether the Snowbirds were being cancelled and pressed for an immediate answer, with one member citing CBC reporting that the department considers the Tutor jets safe to fly until at least 2030 and asking the minister to explain comments about safety. The parliamentary secretary replied that the minister would give an update in Moose Jaw on May 19 and said the Snowbirds would continue flying the Tutor fleet as long as it is feasible and safe, for generations to come.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

3 statements

Fraser Tolmie

Conservative
“News reports say the Snowbirds are not scheduled for their 2027 air shows. The Snowbirds inspire Canadians, and I want to know why the government is cancelling them.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, CTV has confirmed from two sources that the Snowbirds are not scheduled for their 2027 shows. For generations, the Snowbirds have been inspiring and uniting Canadians. The minister said Canadians will enjoy the Snowbirds “for generations to come”, but how many generations will it take to revive the iconic Snowbirds after the Liberals cancel them? How many generations will miss out being inspired by looking to our skies?

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Fraser Tolmie

Conservative
“I want an answer right now. When will the Snowbirds fly again?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, well, the question comes up. Is that never? We never got an answer. Why not answer now? Why do you not answer right now? Are you keeping the Snowbirds flying? Canadians from coast to coast to coast have been inspired by the Snowbirds, an incredible symbol of strength and sovereignty. Now, more than ever, we need them. On what date will the iconic Snowbirds return to the Canadian skies?

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Michael Kram

Conservative
“The defence minister said the Snowbirds were cancelled because the planes are unsafe. But his own department says the planes can fly until 2030. I want him to explain why he said something different from his department.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the defence minister was covering for cancelling the Snowbirds by telling Canadians the planes were unsafe, but according to CBC reporting, his own defence department says the Snowbirds can continue flying the jets until at least 2030. Who are Canadians to believe, the minister or his own department? Does the minister not have confidence in his own department, or did he mislead this House yesterday?

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