Former Snowbirds commander warns Canadians could lose an iconic institution unless Ottawa changes course

Carmichael hopes Canadians rally behind the Snowbirds that have been enjoyed for generations

The Snowbird Alumni Association is calling on Canadians to write their Members of Parliament about the grounding of the iconic planes at the end of 2026, as the federal government transitions from the CT-114 Tutor to the CT-157 Siskin II.

The Snowbirds have been flying the Tutor jets since 1971, with the Siskin II expected to become operational in the early 2030s.

They perform shows across North America from May through October, and feature close quarter coordinated stunts, including the iconic nine-abreast formation, and the downward bomb burst.

The Association has launched their campaign, "No-pause, keep the Snowbirds flying."

Lt. Col. Ret’d, Maryse Carmichael was the first female pilot for the Snowbirds and later their first female Commanding Officer, and she wants to see a gradual transition to the new jets, instead of an outright grounding.

Carmichael says Canadians will lose an iconic institution, and an awe-inspiring recruitment tool.

The transition will involve retraining pilots and rebuilding operational expertise, which Carmichael expressed concerns of losing.

Carmichael hopes Canadians rally behind the Snowbirds that have been enjoyed for generations, and write their MPs calling for a reversal of the pause, and instead the implementation of a phased-out transition that keeps the CT-114 Tutor's in the air for a few more years.

Hear the full interview below.

Story by: Grant Deme