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Conservative MP accuses Carney government of planning to ground Snowbirds
Air show organizers have been told the national aerobatic team may be grounded for up to five years because its Tutor jets are aging.
- Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie claimed on Thursday that the federal government plans to suspend the Snowbirds program for up to five years starting in 2027, citing reports organizers are "quietly being told."
- Safety and maintenance concerns surround the aging CT-114 Tutor fleet, with the oldest aircraft reaching 52 years, despite the federal government spending roughly $30 million on upgrades in 2021 to extend service life through 2030.
- Conservative Shadow Minister James Bezan argued the Snowbirds are a "vital symbol of Canadian identity" and should not be grounded, vowing to protest on Parliament Hill in 2027 if flights over the Peace Tower cease.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty is scheduled to provide an update on the Snowbirds' future during a visit to Moose Jaw on May 19, as the team—part of the 431 Demonstration Squadron—has performed across Canada since 1971.
- A potential cancellation would remove the squad from national events, including the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto; for 50 years, the squadron has served as one of the Canadian Armed Forces' "most effective recruitment tools and a powerful showcase of Canadian military excellence.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 17%
R 16%
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