The Diefenbaker government’s 1959 decision to scrap the fabled Avro Arrow was significantly influenced by Canadian intelligence that pointed to a diminishing need for the costly aircraft in the evolving Cold War, says a new research paper based on previously secret information.
Whether Canada was wise to scrap the Arrow will forever be debated, but there is little argument about this point: the Diefenbaker government committed one of the most stupid acts in Canada’s technological history when it ordered the destruction of all six completed Arrow airframes, and of all aircraft coming down the production line. This was shameful.
Thus, while Canada has one of the world’s finest aviation museums, it cannot show an example of its greatest achievement, the Avro Arrow.
Because of my service in the RCAF, I will always remember this masterpiece of aviation, the dedicated test pilots, the engineers and tradespeople who provided Canada with an aircraft that 65 years later would still be glorified and talked about.
John Fefchak, Virden, Man
Contemplation to opt out of pharmacare isn’t just policy, it’s a personal predicament for those living on the borders of such provinces. I have friends near the edge of Alberta and Quebec, directly affected by this looming decision, facing the stark reality of being left out of a national plan designed to ensure all Canadians have access to necessary medications.
This clash between federal initiatives and provincial autonomy threatens to fragment our health care and undermine the universality of the pharmacare program. With a background in policy, one solution I see is having flexible implementation models, in which provinces can adapt to their specific health-care systems and needs, allowing for customization while adhering to universal standards.
Our leaders must develop a collaborative framework in which pharmacare does not falter at provincial borders but flourishes as a cohesive, countrywide reality.
Mubariz Maqsood, Calgary
Premier Danielle Smith has shown herself to be a supporter and listener to the far-right, which has put her at odds with the majority of Alberta’s centre-right community. She continues to ignore those who put her — and keep her — in power.
Smith’s empathy for the fringe has only served to allow her a limited time in leadership, as the majority of Albertans tire of her bent.
While our province remains small-c conservative and we demand the ability to do business without unfettered and overbearing red tape, we also appreciate our Canada pensions and our health care.
While the average Albertan stifles an esophageal upheaval at the thought of casting a vote for the NDP, there just may be a ‘hold your nose’ moment, if Naheed Nenshi becomes leader of the Opposition party.
Interesting times ahead.
Norm Woodhouse, Calgary
In describing her opposition to the idea of establishing political parties at the municipal level, our mayor tells us that city council is composed of “15 members who were elected to think clearly, look at the empirical evidence and make strong decisions for citizens.”
Other than Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who really believes that?
What the empirical evidence shows us is that council has no interest in controlling its spending and is happy to add $500 million in new spending, along with a 7.8 per cent property tax increase in 2024.
Jim Williams, Calgary
Letters, Feb. 29: Destruction of a Canadian aviation dream
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29.02.2024
The Diefenbaker government’s 1959 decision to scrap the fabled Avro Arrow was significantly influenced by Canadian intelligence that pointed to a diminishing need for the costly aircraft in the evolving Cold War, says a new research paper based on previously secret information.
Whether Canada was wise to scrap the Arrow will forever be debated, but there is little argument about this point: the Diefenbaker government committed one of the most stupid acts in Canada’s technological history when it ordered the destruction of all six completed Arrow airframes, and of all aircraft coming down the production line. This was shameful.
Thus, while Canada has one of the world’s finest aviation museums, it cannot show an example of its greatest achievement, the Avro Arrow.
Because of my service in the RCAF, I will always remember this masterpiece of........
© Calgary Herald
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