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Crash probe must ‘take its course,’ Sajjan says

Ottawa committed to Snowbirds’ future,

Canada’s defence minister says he’s “absolutely committed” to the future of the Snowbirds in the wake of Sunday’s deadly accident that raised questions about the safety of the aerobatic team and the aging aircraft it flies.

Harjit Sajjan said the investigation into the accident “needs to take its course” but added that the government stands behind the long-term future of the air demonstration team, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

“I am absolutely committed to making sure that the Snowbird program continues because it’s a mission that has inspired so many Canadians and not just to become pilots or join the military,” Sajjan told the Star Thursday.

“When a kid looks up at the Snowbirds, it’s about saying, ‘Wow, I too can do something bigger.’ That’s the inspiration they provide,” he said.

In Sunday’s incident, a Snowbird jet flown by Capt. Richard MacDougall appeared to suffer an engine problem immediately after takeoff from the airport in Kamloops, B.C. MacDougall and Capt. Jenn Casey, the team’s public affairs officer, ejected at low altitude. Casey was killed and MacDougall injured.

The crash has again put a spotlight on theteam’s Tutor jets, approaching 60 years old.

Once the primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Sajjan said the graceful jet is a “big part” of what makes the nine-plane demonstrations by the Snowbirds so unique. He said the aircraft are “meticulously maintained.”

“They are stripped down and rebuilt after a number of years,” he said.

He declined to say if the government has firm plans to provide the team with a new aircraft, saying he didn’t want to get ahead of recommendations from the Air Force.

Sajjan reflected on what’s been a deadly few weeks for the Armed Forces, which was also rocked by the April 29 crash of a Cyclone maritime helicopter off the coast of Greece that killed six personnel.

“There is a very laserlike focus on supporting the families,” he said. “First of all, really making sure the families know the tremendous impact their loved ones on the mission …how much we appreciate their service.”

Sajjan visited the Snowbird team in Kamloops and then flew to Shearwater, N.S., for a visit on Wednesday with military personnel at the base that was home to the Cyclone.

Sajjan expressed optimism that the missions of the Snowbirds and Cyclone helicopter would resume.