The future of an iconic Canadian military aerobatics team may be up in the air, and local MPs are now joining the dogfight. The rumours continue to swirl after a Conservative MP accused the federal government Thursday of planning to kibosh the Royal Canadian Air Force’s iconic Snowbirds after this season. If true, it could mean this summer might be the last time you can see the aerial show take flight along Barrie’s waterfront. Fraser Tolmie, the former Mayor and current Conservative MP for Moose Jaw, Sask. – the Snowbirds’ home base – told CTV News this will be the final year. “Upfront, the snowbirds are being cancelled,” Tolmie said. “This is the last season.” In 2021, the federal government committed $30 million to make upgrades to the fleet and keep it flying until 2030. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty is now saying a new plan will be announced later this month where he will “provide updates on the future of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.” Meanwhile, Barrie MPs are taking a strong tone in their reaction to the reports. Conservative MP for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte Doug Shipley and Conservative MP for Barrie South—Innisfil released a joint statement: “We are deeply concerned by reports that the Liberal government is preparing to wind down the Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron).” In the release, Shipley and Brassard said the team has a strong connection with parts of this region. “The Snowbirds have a long and storied history at Base Borden and hold deep significance for local residents and military families alike,” said Shipley. He said when the Snowbirds fly across Barrie every summer, people flock to the region. “This decision would also have serious implications for our local economy. Thousands of visitors travel to our region each year to watch the Barrie Airshow, and the Snowbirds are a key driver of attendance,” said Shipley. Brassard calls the squadron a significant Canadian symbol of pride. “The CF Snowbirds play an important role in promoting the value of military service to young Canadians. At a time when Canadian sovereignty is being challenged and national unity is fraying, the Snowbirds remain one of the few truly unifying national symbols,” said Brassard. The local MPs are urging the Liberal government to reconsider. “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,” said Shipley and Brassard. “The future of the Snowbirds matters to Canadians, especially communities like ours that have deep ties to Canada’s military heritage and culture of service.” The Barrie airshow is still expected to dazzle spectators next month, scheduled for the June 13 and 14 weekend. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall told CTV News in March it will be the biggest by far, with the City planning for 140,000 attendees. The 2025 airshow was cancelled due to unexpected training delays. With files from CTV’s Graham Richardson
