The Ontario provincial government has acquired a second-hand private aircraft for $28.9 million to facilitate travel for Premier Doug Ford. This purchase was officially confirmed by the premier’s office in a statement to CBC News on Friday.
According to the statement, the extensive travel requirements of the Premier within Ontario, a province twice the size of Texas, necessitated the purchase. The aircraft, a 2016 Canadian-made Bombardier Challenger 650, is intended to provide more secure, flexible, and confidential travel options for official duties.
Reportedly, the government source revealed that the province had been in the process of procuring the aircraft for several months, and it is expected to be operational by the end of July. The plane was directly acquired from Bombardier and had a previous owner in South America. Ontario Provincial Police and Bombardier conducted security and mechanical checks on the plane, confirming that no upgrades were necessary.
Operating costs for the aircraft were not definitively provided by the government source, with expectations that they will vary. Opposition Leader Marit Stiles criticized the purchase, labeling the jet as a “gravy plane” and questioning the need for extravagant spending during challenging economic times.
Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Ford for being “tired and out of touch” for investing in the private jet. Various groups, including the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, expressed disapproval, urging the government to reconsider its decision in light of mounting debt and financial priorities.
Additionally, concerns were raised by advocacy group NoJetsTO regarding the province’s connection to Billy Bishop airport and suspicions that the purchase of the Challenger 650 could be linked to potential airport expansions. Despite criticisms, the government clarified that the plane would operate out of Pearson airport.
The Challenger 650, marketed by Bombardier as offering a spacious cabin and premium design, was highlighted in contrast to the costs of similar aircraft purchased by Quebec and the federal government. Ford’s office defended the purchase, emphasizing the comparatively lower cost of Ontario’s aircraft.