Doug Ford's office stated that the plane will assist with the Premier’s "extensive travel," including trips to the U.S. to help address Donald Trump's tariffs. Reuters
Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, has come under fire for his government’s decision to purchase a pre-owned private jet. The jet, a Bombardier Challenger 650, was bought for C$28.9 million (around $21 million USD). Ford’s critics, especially from opposition parties, have been quick to condemn the move, calling it a "gravy plane" and accusing the Premier of being out of touch with the struggles of regular Ontarians.
Details of the Purchase
The jet, which was built in Canada in 2016, will primarily be used for Ford’s travel across the province and to the United States. Ford's office stated that the jet will help with government business, including trips to fight tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plane will provide Ford with more secure, flexible, and confidential travel, according to his office.
This decision has sparked strong criticism, especially from those who believe the Premier should be more mindful of the province’s financial challenges. Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, called the purchase "terrible timing," pointing out that many Ontarians are struggling to afford basic necessities like rent and groceries.
Political Pushback
Ford’s critics have been vocal about their disapproval. “He should be flying economy like the rest of us,” Stiles said on social media. She later added on a breakfast television show, “Ontarians are struggling... and the premier of this province thinks now is a great time to buy a private jet?”
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation also weighed in, urging Ford to reverse the purchase and stick to flying commercial.
Ford’s office has defended the decision, claiming that the jet will be used exclusively for government business. They also pointed out that it would be an essential tool for Ford’s extensive travel within Ontario and across Canada and the U.S., particularly as he works to have U.S. tariffs on Canada lifted.
Defending the Price
In response to the criticism of the jet’s cost, Ford’s office compared the purchase to similar deals made by other governments. They mentioned that Quebec had spent C$107 million on a fleet of three Challenger 650s, and the Canadian federal government had spent C$753 million for six new Bombardier Global 6500 jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Ford’s office argued that the C$28.9 million price tag for the jet was relatively modest compared to these purchases. They also noted that the plane would save money in the long run by reducing the need to charter flights for Ford’s official trips.
A Controversial History
The purchase of private planes has been a controversial topic in Ontario’s political history. In 1981, former Premier Bill Davis faced criticism for buying a Challenger jet. Public outrage forced his government to convert the jet into an air ambulance before selling it.
Ford, who has been Ontario’s Premier since 2018, won a third consecutive majority government last year. However, his approval ratings are among the lowest in Canada, hovering around 31%. Despite his political struggles, Ford has become a well-known figure in the U.S. due to his frequent appearances on American news networks and his government’s anti-tariff advertisements in the U.S., which have sparked anger from former President Trump.
