Nations are bound together through common experience, national symbols, a shared history, values and expectations. And it is part of a government’s job to find ways to unite its people around such items, especially in uncertain times.
Unfortunately, our federal government has missed an opportunity to do so at a critical time in our nation’s history.
Despite an earlier rousing chorus of uncharacteristic Canadianism, brought on by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and verbal attacks on our sovereignty, our nation is now being threatened by growing independence sentiments in Alberta and re-awakened national sentiments in Quebec. The situation is only aggravated by our slumping economy, beset by Trump tariffs and our own built-in regulatory, trade and policy weaknesses.
The government of Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched an ambitious, multi-faceted response. But at times like this, one would think that someone in our nation’s capital might recognize the value of keeping our military aerobatic flying team, the Snowbirds, in the air.
Instead, as things stand now, the popular show will be performed for the last time this summer, not to be revived until replacement aircraft are scheduled to arrive sometime after 2030 — maybe. The fact that the aging planes would need to be replaced by now, has been known, literally for more than two decades.
But every government, regardless of political stripe, kicked the can down the road. So here we are, in this sad state of affairs.
Some may argue, and no doubt have over the years, that spending money to “glorify” our military prowess is not who Canada is. But our history begs to differ. Canada’s military record is not one of conquest or occupation – despite attempts by those who seek to argue otherwise – but of fighting for freedom, of coming to the aid of our allies and their people.
The Snowbirds are an important symbol of that history, a story that deserves to be recognized and remembered.
But set aside the patriotic argument for a moment. What does this story say about our country’s commitment or even our capability to rebuild our military capability, as we have promised, not just to the United States, but to our NATO partners as well?
Our record in this regard is not pretty, as we have let our military capability seriously erode over the years. Ottawa had to re-classify formerly non-military spending on things like coast guard patrol boats in order to meet our first NATO spending commitments. It took some 20 years just to replace the aging Sea King helicopters. And this month, Ottawa has asked non-deployed soldiers to return tactical equipment, as there is a shortage in the field for our active units. How embarrassing.
Unfortunately, this record is only one piece of a broader national narrative – as a nation, we just can’t seem to get things done – from building pipelines and subways to fixing our broken health care and immigration systems.
No doubt, Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford can point to a long list of new initiatives designed to turn things around. And perhaps they will indeed do so. But they are all tough decisions, there are few easy choices. And time is running out to change the narrative and the reality.
Recent economic data says Canada has slipped into a recession with few bright spots on the horizon. The recently released U.S. News “Best Countries” ranking has Canada down to 19th out of 100 nations, just one below the U.S. In 2021, we ranked first.
Already a federal poll released this month said that “nearly half of Canadians surveyed distrust the federal government to make good decisions in the public interest.” Only 41 said they trusted government, 47 percent expressed distrust (29 per cent “strongly distrust”) and 13 per cent had no opinion. Not good news for a democracy facing the challenges we have.
In the meantime, the Snowbirds Alumni Association is looking for ways to keep the show going until new planes arrive. But this summer may be the last time Canadians get to look skyward with a swell of national pride.
The Snowbirds may just be a small symbol, in the midst of all our troubles. But symbols are important. They mean something.
Janet Ecker is a former Ontario Finance Minister, Minister of Education, Minister of Community and Social Services and Government House Leader in the governments of Premier Mike Harris and Premier Ernie Eves. After her political career, she served as the founding CEO of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance, a public-private partnership dedicated to building Toronto region into an international financial centre. She currently sits on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, agencies and advisory committees.
Ms. Ecker received the Order of Canada for her public service contributions and was recognized as one of the “Most Influential People in the World’s Financial Centres” by Financial Centres International. She also received a “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award” from the Women’s Executive Network and the Richard Ivey School of Business, among other awards. She is also one of the founders of Equal Voice, a national, multi-partisan organization working to elect more women.
