Snowbirds could be grounded for years, Conservatives warn

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CTV National News: Future of Canada’s Snowbirds in doubt amid possible program cuts

Snowbirds could be grounded for years, Conservative MP says

Snowbirds could be grounded for years, Conservative MP says

OTTAWA - A Conservative MP says the summer of 2026 could be Canadians’ last chance to see the Royal Canadian Air Force’s iconic Snowbirds aerobatic team for years, while the federal defence minister insists a new plan is coming later this month.

Conservatives warn the federal government is preparing to pause or cancel the Snowbirds program in 2027, despite spending tens of millions of dollars in recent years to keep the aging aircraft flying into the next decade.

Fraser Tolmie, the Conservative MP for Moose Jaw, Sask.—home to the Snowbirds—said the team is not accepting bookings for the summer of 2027 after completing a full slate of air shows this year.

“Up front, the Snowbirds are being cancelled,” Tolmie told CTV News. “This is the last season. We’ve been hearing from locals and air show organizers across North America that this is the end and they won’t be continuing in 2027.”

“What I’ve heard is they’re going to pause the Snowbirds for five years.”

Tolmie said neither the Department of National Defence (DND) nor the Royal Canadian Air Force has responded to his letter to National Defence Minister David McGuinty, or to questions raised in the Senate.

“This is the time to be flying our iconic symbol, not cancelling it,” Tolmie said. “This is an SOS—save our Snowbirds."

After speaking to CTV News, Tolmie raised the issue during Question Period on Thursday. McGuinty did not provide a direct response to the Conservatives’ warning that the Snowbirds will be put on pause starting in 2027.

“Snowbirds will continue air demonstrations with the Tutor fleet for as long as it is feasible and safe,” McGuinty said in the House of Commons, later adding that the federal government is “beginning the process of examining potential aircraft options,” once the fleet “reaches its ends of life.”

McGuinty also said he agrees that the Snowbirds are “an iconic part of Canadian culture,” but safety of the pilots must be a priority.

“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,” McGuinty said. “Have (Tolmie) stand up, Mr. Speaker. Make it plain that he intends to have pilots flying planes that should not be flown under mechanical watch today.”

McGuinty to provide update soon

In a statement to CTV News late Thursday, McGuinty said he will be in Moose Jaw, Sask. on May 19 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 airshows across North America and around the world. Canadians can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy the Iconic Snowbird formation for generations to come,” McGuinty’s statement goes on to say.

DND, meanwhile, later told CTV News that the Royal Canadian Air Force is embarking on “the largest modernization effort in the RCAF since the Second World War.”

“We are incredibly proud of the women and men of the Snowbirds who, for 55 years, have represented the Canadian Armed Forces with distinction at airshows across North America. We look forward to celebrating this remarkable milestone throughout the 2026 show season,” DND said in a statement.

The RCAF has flown aerobatic teams since the 1950s. The Snowbirds were formally established in 1971 as the Canadian Forces’ official aerobatic demonstration team. They perform at air shows across North America from May to October and have regularly flown overseas — appearances Tolmie says will end if the program is paused in 2027.

“When I was mayor of Moose Jaw, I signed off on a document allowing the Snowbirds to fly below 500 feet down Main Street when they came home,” Tolmie said. “They inspire people. They touch the hearts of Canadians, and we need to keep that inspiration going.”

The Snowbirds fly CT-114 Tutor jets, a fleet that has faced some safety and maintenance concerns. Since the team was created, 10 aircraft have been lost, including three crashes involving fatalities.

In 2021, Ottawa spent $30 million upgrading the Snowbirds with the goal of keeping the aircraft operational until 2030. Fully replacing the jets—along with pilot training, maintenance systems and spare parts—could cost an estimated $1 billion to $2 billion over the life of a new fleet.

Despite all of the challenges, Tolmie argued the Snowbirds are more important than ever.

“This is like maple syrup,” he said. “This is like ice-cold Canadian beer. This is gravy on our poutine.”

• RELATED: Ottawa exploring options to replace aging Snowbirds jets

With files from CTV News’ Stephanie Ha