Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Snowbirds to boost morale amid COVID-19 with cross-country tour

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Apr, 2020 11:16 PM
  • Snowbirds to boost morale amid COVID-19 with cross-country tour

The Canadian Armed Forces is deploying its famed Snowbirds aerobatics team on a cross-country tour aimed at boosting morale as Canadians continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan to unleash the team and have its nine-plane formation fly over Canadian cities starting this weekend follows a similar initiative south of the border, where the U.S. military's own flight demonstration teams have been flying in honour of front-line workers and first responders.

Some have criticized the Pentagon's decision to launch such a tour, given the mounting death toll from COVID-19 in the U.S. and what some have said are more pressing needs, such as getting protective equipment for health-care workers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Snowbirds' cross-Canada tour during his daily news conference Wednesday, describing the plan to deploy the red, white and blue Tutor jets as an effort to "salute Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

As we watch the Snowbirds fly over our homes, let's remember that we are all in this together." The team, which is based in Moose Jaw, Sask., will conduct its first flyover in Nova Scotia before heading west.

Exact details on when and where the Snowbirds will perform are expected in the coming days, though officials have said the team will focus on hospitals and residential neighbourhoods.

Some Canadians took to social media on Wednesday to ask whether the flyovers are necessary, given many people are continuing to struggle and die from COVID-19. That echoed criticisms of the U.S. military's decision to deploy its Blue Angels and Thunderbirds teams.

"We would be flying regardless," the Snowbirds wrote on their official Twitter account in response to criticisms about the planned tour. "Now we're just spreading the love (from a distance of course) instead of saying hello to the same farmers around Moose Jaw."

The Snowbirds initially paused their training in March because of COVID-19 and delayed the start of their flying season, which was to begin in June. Now the team will spend two days at CFB Moose Jaw flying refresher and training missions before starting the tour.

The Snowbirds season ended early last year after one of the team's Tutor aircraft crashed prior to an air show in the U.S. state of Georgia. Capt. Kevin Domon-Grenier sustained minor injuries when he ejected from the plane, which crashed into a farmer’s field. No one else was hurt.

MORE National ARTICLES

Transparency On Covid-19 Response Crucial: Former Public Safety Minister Goodale

OTTAWA - Governments must be as transparent as possible with Canadians about response measures for COVID-19, says former Liberal public safety minister Ralph Goodale.    

Transparency On Covid-19 Response Crucial: Former Public Safety Minister Goodale

Most Abiding By Covid-19 Rules, Back Fines, Arrests Of Those Who Aren't: Poll

OTTAWA - Most Canadians are doing what they're told to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and would support harsher measures to punish those who aren't, a new poll suggests.    

Most Abiding By Covid-19 Rules, Back Fines, Arrests Of Those Who Aren't: Poll

What Provinces, Territories Are Doing Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every province and territory. Medical officers of health and Canada's chief public health officer are encouraging people to wash their hands, give each other space and wear a mask if they're sick.

What Provinces, Territories Are Doing Against COVID-19

Father Of Humboldt Bronco Disappointed Saskatchewan Has Relaxed Trucking Rules

REGINA - A father whose son was killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says he's worried Saskatchewan's move to relax some trucking rules during the COVID-19 outbreak may mean drivers will be pushed past their limits.

Father Of Humboldt Bronco Disappointed Saskatchewan Has Relaxed Trucking Rules

Canadians Asked To Wash Mailboxes, Keep Dogs At Bay, To Ensure Safe Mail Delivery

Canadians Asked To Wash Mailboxes, Keep Dogs At Bay, To Ensure Safe Mail Delivery
OTTAWA - The union representing Canada Post employees is asking Canadians to disinfect their mail boxes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Canadians Asked To Wash Mailboxes, Keep Dogs At Bay, To Ensure Safe Mail Delivery

Hope Floats: Alberta Town Ravaged By Flood Rolls Out Parade Float For COVID-19

HIGH RIVER, Alta. - A parade float parked on a downtown street in High River, Alta., seems strangely out of place in a world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.    

Hope Floats: Alberta Town Ravaged By Flood Rolls Out Parade Float For COVID-19