WE STOOD ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS, 1952

On February 20, 1959, the Canadian Government incredulously cancelled the Avro CF105 Arrow jet fighter interceptor program.  Within weeks, seven years of astonishing Canadian excellence in aerospace ingenuity and the  imminent completion of five world leading production-standard aircraft would be systematically and utterly destroyed.  The dreams of demonstrably talented scientists and engineers, the futures of two highly successful major Canadian industrial partners, and the viability of a host of supporting companies and suppliers were dashed into oblivion by obduracy and an appalling lack of political vision. Beyond the immediate jobs lost and a cutting-edge industry squandered, the economic and social impacts reverberate to this very day and into this country’s future.  Another equally sorrowful tragedy for Canada Bereft!  At what point do all Canadians raise their eyes and start looking forward?

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Jim Davis 2021