Fight to keep Snowbirds flying grows before Moose Jaw show

For generations of people in Moose Jaw, the Snowbirds have been more than a spectacle in the sky.

With the Canadian Forces Snowbirds preparing for what could be their final performance at their home base in Moose Jaw for several years, some former team members and supporters are calling on the federal government to reconsider its decision to ground the team.

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The aerobatic demonstration team is expected to stop flying after the 2026 season while Ottawa replaces the aging jet-powered CT-114 Tutor aircraft used by the squadron with the turboprop-driven CT-157 Siskin II. The team is expected to remain grounded after the 2026 air show season until the new planes are ready in the early 2030s.

Retired lieutenant-colonel Darryl Shyiak, a former Snowbirds pilot and commanding officer, said while he welcomes the commitment to replacing the aircraft, he worries about the years in between.

“We were encouraged by the news that the federal government said they’re looking to take steps to get a new aircraft for the Snowbirds, but we were disappointed and quite sad to hear the announcement that the team is scheduled, right now at least, to shut down in October,” Shyiak said.

“We feel that the potentially five years or more that the team won’t be out inspiring and connecting with Canadians will be a loss for all Canadians, coast to coast to coast.”

Shyiak, who first flew with the team as Snowbird 7 in the outer-left wing position before later returning as commanding officer and team lead, said the concern goes beyond Canadians missing out on air shows.

He said the specialized skills needed to fly with the Snowbirds take years to develop, and a long pause could make restarting the team difficult.

“The pilots that are currently on the Snowbirds, they will be long gone and their expertise will be gone too, so it will be very difficult for the Air Force to spool up a new team and generate that expertise,” Shyiak said.

Shyiak said he believes the Tutor aircraft can safely continue flying, pointing to recent upgrades completed by the air force.

“The RCAF just spent $30 million upgrading the aircraft, inspecting them from nose to tail, rewiring them and putting a new avionics package in them,” he said.

Shyiak said the Snowbirds Alumni Association is encouraging Canadians to write to Prime Minister Mark Carney and their members of parliament, asking that the decision be reversed.

He said the group is proposing options which could include flying fewer aircraft, bringing back former Snowbirds pilots or using more support from the aerospace industry.

“Instead of nine, they could fly six or seven,” Shyiak said. “They could bring pilots that were on the Snowbirds before back.”

Meanwhile, in Moose Jaw, another effort is also underway.

Jana Kitts launched House of Commons Petition E-7535, calling on the federal government to consider ways to keep the Snowbirds visible during the transition to newer aircraft.

“We’re asking them to commit to the Snowbirds remaining visible and engaged in public air demonstrations in any operational capacity that they can during the transition until the new aircraft arrives,” Kitts said.

“We acknowledge that safety is important, and that there’s still lots of other options on the table that can be considered that could possibly keep the Snowbirds flying in some capacity.”

The petition has already passed the 500 signatures required to be eligible to be presented in the House of Commons.

For Kitts, who grew up watching the jets flying overhead from a farm south of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the team represents something much bigger than air shows.

“When you see them, they’re incredible, amazing, and you get this overwhelming sense of pride that they are Canadian and they represent Canada,” Kitts said.

“They’re more than just an air demonstration team. They’re Canada’s team. They are part of our national heritage, our identity.”

Kitts said the Snowbirds are also deeply connected to Moose Jaw, bringing visitors to the city and giving the community a unique connection to the rest of Canada.

“When the Snowbirds happen to be around and in the air, it’s just an extra treat for tourists and for local citizens,” she said.

“They support us, we support them.”

The Snowbirds’ hometown show is scheduled for Saturday in Moose Jaw.