Honourable senators, I rise today to honour the memory of Captain Jennifer Casey, who tragically lost her life in a Canadian Forces Snowbirds crash in Kamloops, British Columbia, last month on May 17. The crash occurred while the Snowbirds were conducting Operation INSPIRATION, their cross-country tour to raise Canadians’ spirits during this time of pandemic and isolation, and to show support for our front-line health care workers. Captain Casey, the Snowbirds’ public affairs officer, was responsible for bringing the team’s message of hope and solidarity to Canadians.

Thirty-five years old, Jenn was from Halifax, and she had a career in broadcasting before joining the Canadian military in 2014. By all accounts, Captain Casey loved her job and her time with the military. Friends and former colleagues describe her as smart, driven and professional. Others describe her as friendly, engaging and a storyteller. Many state that it is Jennifer’s big smile and ready laugh that they will miss above all.

The home of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds is at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. My late husband, Dave Batters, served as the member of Parliament for the constituency of Palliser. Both Moose Jaw and 15 Wing were within his riding, and the Snowbirds always held a special place in both our hearts. Dave even had occasion to fly with the Snowbirds, and it was truly one of his greatest thrills.

The Snowbirds are a beloved part of our Canadian fabric. They inspire us as they fly proudly every year over Parliament Hill in celebration on Canada Day and in commemoration of Canada’s war veterans on Remembrance Day. Their flyovers in formation remind us that Canadians are stronger together whether in times of happiness or in times of mourning and reflection. The Snowbirds need to have our commitment for decades to come.

With Operation INSPIRATION, millions of Canadians for the first time were able to see the Snowbirds’ fantastic flyovers in person. I know many of you will have had the same experience I did last month when the Snowbirds flew right over my house, and I yelled out just like a little kid, “Snowbirds!” As the Snowbird honorary colonel stated at Captain Casey’s celebration of life, it was indeed the Snowbirds’ finest hour.

The Snowbirds are a potent Canadian symbol, not only of our proud tradition of military excellence but also the hope and optimism that unites us as a country. Captain Jenn Casey was the embodiment of all that.

As a proud Saskatchewanian and a member of Canada’s Senate, I want to thank Jenn for her service and sharing the Snowbirds’ message of hope and inspiration with all Canadians. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Captain Casey’s family and friends, her 15 Wing family and Snowbirds teammates. The whole of our nation mourns with you. Thank you.