Urdu Report Desk
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed the provincial government’s decision to purchase a private jet after the C$28.9 million deal triggered strong public and political criticism.
The aircraft was later sold back to Bombardier at the original purchase price, although the purchase and related expenses resulted in an additional cost of around C$200,000 to the provincial treasury.
Jet Purchased for Government Travel
On April 17, the Ontario government announced the purchase of a pre-owned, Canada-made 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 for C$28.9 million.
According to the government, the aircraft was intended to facilitate Premier Doug Ford’s travel within Ontario and to the United States.
Officials said the jet would be used solely for government business and not for personal travel.
Government’s Justification
Ford’s office defended the purchase, saying Ontario is a vast province and the premier needed more certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel for trips across the province and to the United States.
Ford also argued that the aircraft would assist his travel to the United States during the trade dispute involving US President Donald Trump.
Political and Public Opposition
The purchase quickly drew criticism from opposition parties and other groups in Ontario.
New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles described the aircraft as a “gravy plane” and said Ford should fly economy like other people.
Stiles said spending nearly C$30 million on a luxury private aircraft was questionable at a time when Ontarians were struggling with the rising costs of rent and food.
Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser also strongly criticized the purchase of the pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 650, calling the decision out of touch with public concerns.
Taxpayers’ Group Calls for Reversal
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation also called on the provincial government to reverse the purchase.
Noah Jarvis, the organization’s Ontario director, said many premiers travel on commercial flights and criticized the use of taxpayers’ money to purchase a private jet for Ford.
Ford Changes His Decision
Within days of the purchase announcement, growing public pressure prompted Ford to reverse the decision.
Ford said he had heard the public’s concerns and agreed that it was not the right time to spend money on a government aircraft. He announced that the province would work with Bombardier and other partners to sell the plane as quickly as possible.
Speaking at an unrelated event in Ottawa, Ford said he listens to the public and is not reluctant to change his mind when people do not support a decision.
Aircraft Sold Back to Bombardier
The aircraft was sold back to Bombardier within days for the original purchase price of C$28.9 million.
However, the purchase, sale and related expenses resulted in an additional cost of around C$200,000 to the provincial treasury.
Ford has led Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party to three consecutive provincial election victories. According to the article, political commentators believe the private jet decision could carry political consequences for his party.
