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Conservatives press Liberals on Snowbirds aircraft retirement
McGuinty says the team will keep flying while the government reviews replacement options for the aging CT-114 Tutor fleet.
The Opposition Conservatives accused the Liberal government on Thursday of concealing plans to halt Canadian Forces Snowbirds performances starting next year. Defence Minister David McGuinty denied the claims.
McGuinty stated the air force's CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet, introduced in the 1960s, is approaching the end of its operational life, prompting the government to begin examining replacement options for the Snowbirds.
Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie claimed air shows across North America are "quietly being told" they cannot book the Snowbirds for 2027, citing the squadron's "acceptance show" taking place Friday in Comox, B.C.
Dismissing the allegations in the House, McGuinty stated the Snowbirds are an "iconic part of Canadian culture" and demonstrations will continue while aircraft remain safe to operate.
With the May 19 update approaching in Moose Jaw, the government maintains the fleet's future is secure, though Tolmie urged prioritizing a replacement contract to ensure the Snowbirds continue performing for Canadians.