News that Snowbirds may be permanently grounded causes stir among Sask. residents

The future of the Snowbirds is in limbo, and residents in Moose Jaw where the Snowbirds reside, are concerned. Jacob Carr reports.

Conservative Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Moose Jaw Fraser Tolmie is of the firm belief that the Snowbirds will be permanently grounded, come 2027.

“I wrote the minister of national defense almost six months ago asking about the future of the snowbirds. No reply. Senator Batters did the same in the senate. Crickets. Why won’t the Liberals come clean about their decision to cancel the iconic snowbirds?”

The news has caused a stir among many of Moose Jaw’s citizens.

• Snowbirds could be grounded for years, Conservatives warn

The resounding thought among the people is that it would be a shame to lose a national treasure like the Snowbirds, given that 15 Wing Moose Jaw is their home base.

“They’re just one of Canada’s icons. I’ve lived various places in Canada, I’ve always looked forward to their shows,” said Ron Smallwood.

Joe Blayone shared similar thoughts, noting the economic impact.

“Putting on the shows, they do really attract people. So, economically it’s a good thing for the city, too,” he said.

Saskatoon citizen Larissa Brown pointed to the uniqueness of the Snowbirds.

“I just think it’s a very unique thing for a small place like Saskatchewan and it’s something you kind of don’t expect when you go somewhere and then realize that they’re going to show up and do their thing,” she said.

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Randy Crashley called the Snowbirds a “great recruiting tool for the military.”

“I just hate to see that we’re going to lose them because it’ll definitely be the end of our base here now,” he said.

However, the Minister of National Defence David McGuinty says people should pump the brakes on talk of permanently cancelling the squadron.

“The snowbirds will continue air demonstrations with the Tudor fleet for as long as it is feasible and safe. We’re beginning the process of examining potential aircraft options for the Snowbirds mission once the CT 144 Tudor fleet reaches its end of life,” he said.

The Snowbirds are currently in Comox, B.C., where they do spring training annually.

They will also conduct their acceptance show, which marks the end of that training, on Friday.