Time to reconsider worth of Snowbirds

It was reported on April 30 that the Snowbirds have begun their cross-country tour to “boost morale” as Canadians continue the struggle with the pandemic.

For a while now I have wondered: What does it cost to fuel nine Tutor jets? What is the cost to repair these now-antiquated machines? What does it cost to operate the entire Snowbird program each year? I had numerous questions, so decided to do some research. The research (2017 figures) indicates that it costs $4.3 million per year to keep the program functioning. It costs approximately $10 million per year for a complete season consisting of some 60-plus shows nationally and internationally.

I don’t know what the annual maintenance costs are to keep the Snowbirds flying, but imagine it is a significant cost as well, considering that the Tutors are actually very old, which can increase the risk of catastrophic failure. The Tutors were supposed to be retired in December this year; however, the Government of Canada recently has stated that it will keep them flying until 2030.

The alternative under consideration would be to replace them entirely at a cost to government (i.e., we the taxpayers) of $755 million (if this projected cost became a reality).

In this period of struggle with the COVID-19 virus and its impact on the Canadian economy, I think it’s time we look with restraint at spending our money on something that is of a practical and functional benefit to Canadians instead of on a frivolous and certainly perilous form of entertainment.

The billions of dollars that are currently being spent by the government to help working Canadians, small and large businesses to survive this COVID-19 reality will place a heavy burden on future generations. I say that upon completion of the Snowbirds’ tour this year, let’s re-evaluate whether we really need the expense of carrying on with the program in light of other far more pressing needs. It’s the right thing to do.

Jim Ursan, Moose Jaw