Moose Jaw (Files from Canadian Press and CBC) – Farewell to the Snowbirds, for a number of years. Canada’s defence minister made the announcement May 19 at the home base of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team.
David McGuinty’s visit to 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan came amid speculation about the future of the aerial acrobatic squadron.
Opposition Conservative member of Parliament Fraser Tolmie raised the issue of the team’s future earlier this month.
He told question period that air shows across North America are “quietly being told” they can’t book the Snowbirds for events in 2027 and that this summer will be their final season.
McGuinty replied that the team’s aircraft fleet is approaching the end of its life, but the Snowbirds would continue air demonstrations as long as the planes remain safe.
CBC is reporting that replacements will not be available until the 2030’s, but the government will still support air shows including Abbotsford.
The Snowbirds, formed in 1971, have performed at thousands of air shows.
The Air Force’s CT-114 Tutor jets, which the team uses, were introduced in the 1960s.
Tolmie, who represents Moose Jaw and is a former mayor of the city, has said it’s time to get the ball rolling on a replacement fleet contract and “save our Snowbirds.”
This initial report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2026.
