Hon. Denise Batters: Minister, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are a national treasure. Canada’s demonstration flight squadron hails from 15 Wing, Moose Jaw in my province of Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds are a potent Canadian symbol not only of our proud tradition of military excellence but also of the hope and optimism that unite us as a country.

The Snowbirds celebrated their fiftieth anniversary last year, and they need the Government of Canada’s commitment so they can soar high for the next 50 years. Their Tutor jets require replacement by 2030, so the federal government needs an immediate plan to procure these new planes.

As Minister of Defence, will you commit today to ongoing annual funding for the Snowbirds until 2030 and beyond, and will you commit to initiate a procurement plan for new jets now?