If what the federal Conservatives are claiming is true, the performance by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in Barrie next month could be one of their last shows before they are grounded next year.
In a statement on Wednesday, Barrie area MPs Doug Shipley and John Brassard said in a statement they are deeply concerned by reports that the Liberal government is preparing to wind down the Snowbirds Demonstration Team.
"Several years ago, the government allocated $30 million in funding to keep the Snowbirds' fleet of Tutor jets airworthy through 2030. Despite countless opportunities to do so, the federal government has made no progress on replacing the aircraft. There is no excuse for waiting this long to produce a plan to keep the Snowbirds flying."
The MPs said that the last time the Royal Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed at the Barrie Airshow in 2024, the city welcomed nearly 140,000 people to Barrie's waterfront and downtown, contributing over $11.3 million to the local economy.
"We call on the Liberal government to keep the Snowbirds in the air through 2030 and to ensure that replacement jets are secured by that date," stated Brassard and Shipley.
During Question Period in the House of Commons on Thursday, Fraser Tolmie, the Conservative MP for Moose Jaw, Sask., home to the Snowbirds, raised the issue.
"Airshow organizers across North America are quietly being told that this is the final season of the iconic Snowbirds. I wrote the Minister of National Defence almost six months ago, asking about the future of the Snowbirds."
Tolmie claimed he got no response.
"Why won't the Liberals come clean about their decision to cancel the iconic Snowbirds, and when will they reverse this terrible decision?"
Defence Minister David McGuinty did not directly refer to what Tolmie was alleging when he responded to the question.
"The RCAF's (Royal Canadian Air Force) fleet of Tutor aircraft was first introduced in the 1960s, and the fleet will reach its end of life in the coming years. The member knows this. The Snowbirds will continue air demonstrations with the Tutor fleet as long as it is feasible and safe. The member knows that as well. The Snowbirds are being committed to their performances. As we stated, we are beginning the process of examining potential aircraft options for the Snowbirds' mission once the CT-114 Tutor fleet reaches its end of life."
Tolmie fired back, asking why the Liberals are hiding the fact they plan to cancel the Snowbirds after this year.
"Why won't they immediately reverse this terrible decision? It's SOS time, Mr, Speaker. Save our Snowbirds."
McGuinty said he shared Tolmie's concern about the future of the fleet, but added there is a difference.
"This member surely can't be suggesting he's going to put the pilots, the women and men of that fleet, in harm's way. Have him stand up, Mr. Speaker, and make it plain that he intends to have pilots flying planes that should not be flown under mechanical watch today."
