Reaching for the sky on its pedestal near town mascot, Mac the Moose at the Tourism Moose Jaw Visitor Centre, the Tutor Jet display will attract visitors and city residents alike. The CT-114 jet—the same model used for training by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds—was installed thanks to an investment announced today through a former Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

“The Snowbirds are an important part of our community, and this display will be an attention grabbing addition that will help draw visitors to Moose Jaw,” said Palliser Member of Parliament Ray Boughen, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“The Snowbirds Demonstration Team has called Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan home for almost 40 years,” Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said.  “Visitors who pass by the Snowbird Tutor jet will be reminded of that proud history and of the strong relationships and economic opportunities created in the past four decades.”

A WEPA investment of $27,000 supported construction of a pedestal and mounting the jet on the pedestal. The display is expected to draw to the city an estimated one per cent of the more than 5 million cars per year that travel along the Trans Canada Highway.

“Tourism Moose Jaw is thrilled to have the CT-114 jet here,” said Katherine Fitton, Chair, Board of Directors, Tourism Moose Jaw. “What better way to be welcomed to Moose Jaw than by, now, two icons, Mac the Moose and the Snowbirds Tutor Jet, a  true example of the city's new brand, `Surprisingly Unexpected’.”

The jet exhibit represents the important role that the Canadian Forces Base and the NATO Flying Training in Canada program has had in Moose Jaw. The Snowbirds have flown the CT-114 Tutor jet since 1971. Designed and built in Canada, it was used by the Canadian Forces as its basic pilot training aircraft until 2000.

Under the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement, Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in western Canadian communities.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager   
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel:  (306) 975-5942

Joanne Johnson
Communications Director
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 787-7967

Candis Kirkpatrick
Executive Director
Tourism Moose Jaw Inc.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 692-0555