A new federal petition aims to keep the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatics team flying until their replacement aircraft arrive in the early 2030s. House of Commons Petition e-7535, posted online Friday, calls on the government to ensure the team remains active and visible during the transition from the retired CT-114 Tutor to the new CT-157 Siskin II.
The petition, initiated by Jana Kitts of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan—the Snowbirds' home base—highlights the team's role as national ambassadors. “The Canadian Forces Snowbirds represent Canadian pride, unity and excellence and serve as ambassadors for Canada through their public performances, community engagement, and military professionalism at home and abroad,” the petition states. “Millions of Canadians across multiple generations have watched the Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform at community events, celebrations and airshows throughout Canada, creating a shared experience that connects Canadians across the country.”
Background on the Snowbirds' retirement plan
This airshow season will be the final one for the Snowbirds flying the CT-114 Tutor, a jet trainer that has been in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force for more than 60 years. Earlier this year, the federal government announced plans to retire the Tutors after the 2026 season and ground the demonstration team until the replacement aircraft—the turboprop-driven CT-157 Siskin II, the RCAF designation for the Pilatus PC-21 trainer—is available in the early 2030s.
The petition is sponsored by Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan MP Fraser Tolmie and had garnered 130 signatures as of Monday afternoon. Efforts to keep the Snowbirds flying are also being championed by the City of Moose Jaw.
Moose Jaw mayor appeals to Prime Minister
On June 3, Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty, urging reconsideration of the grounding plan. “Moose Jaw is immensely proud to be home to 15 Wing and the Snowbirds,” the letter states. “The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron represents a significant source of national pride and plays an important role in our local economy, community identity and Canada’s international reputation.”
Murdock called on the federal government to provide greater clarity on timelines and to consider measures that would reduce or eliminate the gap between the grounding of the Tutors and the introduction of the new aircraft. “Maintaining a visible Snowbirds presence during this transition would help sustain their role as ambassadors of the Canadian Armed Forces and preserve the strong connection they have built with communities across Canada,” his letter said.
