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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

6 statements

Fraser Tolmie

Conservative

Linked statement

“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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Sherry Romanado

Liberal
“On May 19, the minister will share updates in Moose Jaw about the Snowbirds' future. We are proud of this air team, and Canadians will be able to watch them fly for years to come.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, on May 19, the minister will be in Moose Jaw to provide updates on the future of the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds. The Royal Canadian Air Force is incredibly proud of the women and men who, for decades, have represented the Canadian Armed Forces with pride at air shows across North America and around the world. Canadians can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy the iconic Snowbird formations for generations to come.

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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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Sherry Romanado

Liberal
“The defence minister is going to Moose Jaw on May 19. The Snowbirds will keep flying their planes as long as it is safe, and the team will continue for a long time.”

  • A repeated line

    “The Snowbirds will continue air demonstrations with the Tutor fleet for as long as it is feasible and safe.”

    Said 3 times by 2 members since May 7.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the minister will be in Moose Jaw on May 19. Canadians can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy the iconic Snowbird formation for generations to come. They will continue their air demonstrations with the Tutor fleet for as long as it is feasible and safe.

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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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Sherry Romanado

Liberal
“The minister will be in Moose Jaw on May 19 to give an update. The Snowbirds program will keep flying for decades.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 48 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 48 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I think I have been pretty clear: The minister is going to be in Moose Jaw on May 19 to provide an update. I invite the members opposite to stay tuned for that announcement. As we said, Canadians will continue to enjoy the iconic Snowbirds program for decades to come.

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