Ford Reverses Course on Private Aircraft
Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to sell a Bombardier Challenger 650 executive jet on Sunday, just two days after confirming the C$28.9 million ($21 million) purchase. The aircraft, built in Canada in 2016, will be sold "as quickly as possible," Ford said in a statement, citing public opposition to the expense.
Ford's office had justified the purchase by saying he would use it for official travel, including trips to the United States to advocate against the Trump administration's tariffs. The premier said he would "continue the work of building relationships with business and political leaders, both across Canada and in the United States, to fight tariffs, attract investments and create jobs for Ontario workers."
Political Opponents Seized on the Decision
Opposition leaders criticized Ford after the purchase was confirmed on Friday. Marit Stiles, leader of the left-leaning Ontario New Democratic Party, said Ford only reversed course after "the heat [got] too hot" and accused him of "turning the plane around mid-air for an emergency landing because he got caught living like a rockstar on your dime."
Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser called the purchase attempt a sign of Ford's priorities. "Trying to buy a private jet while families are struggling says everything you need to know about Doug Ford," Fraser said on social media. He also accused Ford of wanting to "live like a billionaire" with "your money."
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a taxpayers' advocacy group, urged Ford to "stick to flying commercial" instead.
Polling and Government Sale Process
Ford's polling hovers around 31%, according to an Angus Reid Poll from earlier this year, among the lowest in Canada for a sitting premier despite winning a rare third-consecutive majority government. The province is working with Bombardier and other partners to execute the sale of the jet.
