Snowbirds to take to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick skies on Sunday

Operation Inspiration is a salute to all Canadians doing their part to fight COVID-19

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are taking to the skies over New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Sunday.

A map of the route has been released on Facebook. The flight is called Operation Inspiration and its aim is to salute all Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19.

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This is a map of the route and times for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds flyover in Nova Scotia on Sunday, May 3. The times may change because of weather. (Canadian Forces Snowbirds)

The nine jets took off in Greenwood, N.S., around 10:30 a.m., reaching Saint John around 10:40 a.m., and Fredericton by 11 a.m.

Saint John Mayor Don Darling posted a video of the snowbirds flying over the city on Sunday morning.

The Nova Scotia flyover will start at Greenwood around 2:30 p.m., then fly over Truro around 2:50 p.m., then to Halifax at about 3 p.m. and back to Greenwood.

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A file photo of the Snowbirds fly over Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sask., in 2008. (Troy Fleece/The Canadian Press)

With that route, communities in and surrounding Aylesford, Berwick, Kentville, Wolfville, Economy, Portapique, Debert, Great Village, Brookfield, Alton, Stewiacke, Shubenacadie, Enfield, Fall River, Dartmouth, Bedford, Lower Sackville, Mount Uniacke and Windsor should be able to see the flypast.

"We encourage Canadians to observe the flyovers from the safety of their home and refrain from travelling to see the flyover," the snowbirds said in a statement on Facebook.

The visit comes in the aftermath of a mass shooting in the province two weeks ago. The Snowbirds will fly over many of the communities directly impacted.

"They will start flying this weekend in Nova Scotia, reminding all of us of the importance to stick together in these difficult times for all. #StrongerTogether," said a Facebook post from Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjjan.

This article was originally published by CBC News and written by Anjuli Patil.