The Avro Arrow is cancelled
CF-105 Avro Arrow, Stephen Corey Snider, CWM, 19880236-001
February 20, 1959
On February 20, 1959, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker cancelled the Avro CF-105 Arrow jet-fighter interceptor program. The Arrow’s mounting costs, technical delays and government budget reductions contributed to its demise. Often referred to as Canada’s greatest contribution to modern high-performance aeronautics, the Arrow’s elimination resulted in the immediate dismissal of 14,000 employees at Avro Canada, including engineers who went on to work on the U.S. space program. The public then, and since, have lamented Diefenbaker’s decision.
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