The Avro Arrow program sought to create a cutting-edge fighter jet capable of flying at speeds over Mach 2, intended to defend North American airspace during the Cold War. During its development in the late 1950s, the Arrow was heralded as one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, with innovative technology featuring a canard design and advanced radar systems. However, under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's government, the program faced growing scrutiny regarding its financial viability amid shifting defense priorities and the increasing focus on missile technology. Many in the government, especially in the military, were concerned about the impending obsolescence of manned aircraft in the face of nuclear threats.

On February 20, 1959, the Diefenbaker government announced the cancellation of the Avro Arrow program, a decision that led to significant backlash from engineers, scientists, and the public. Thousands of workers were laid off, and the implications extended beyond immediate job losses; they threatened to dismantle Canada's burgeoning aerospace industry. The cancellation prompted significant debates regarding Canada's defense capabilities and technological independence, as numerous individuals viewed it as a missed opportunity to establish the nation as a leader in advanced aerospace technology.

The decision also fueled a broader discussion about Canada's role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its reliance on U.S. military technology. Those in favor of the program argued that it represented not only technological achievement but also Canadian sovereignty in aerospace and military matters. In the wake of the cancellation, several engineers and design teams left Avro Canada, and many subsequently moved to work for aerospace companies in the United States, impacting the Canadian aerospace industry for decades.