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Ontario buys pre-owned private jet amid criticism
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government has purchased a used Bombardier Challenger 650 jet for C$28.9 million ($21 million), sparking accusations of extravagance from opposition leaders and taxpayer groups.
Details of the purchase
The jet, manufactured in Canada in 2016, was confirmed by Ford's office after the Toronto Star first reported the deal on Friday. Officials stated the aircraft will primarily serve the premier's travel needs, including trips to the U.S. to advocate against President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods.
Opposition and public reaction
Critics swiftly condemned the purchase as tone-deaf. Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, called it a "gravy plane" and questioned the timing, noting Ontarians are struggling with rising living costs.
"He should be flying economy like the rest of us. Ontarians are struggling to make rent, to pay for groceries, just to get by, and the premier of this province thinks now is a great time to buy a private jet? I think it's terrible timing."
Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP Leader
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation urged Ford to cancel the deal and "stick to flying commercial."
Government's defense
Ford's office defended the purchase, arguing the jet will enable "more certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel" across Ontario-a province twice the size of Texas-and support the premier's cross-border advocacy efforts. The statement also highlighted that the cost was far below Quebec's C$107 million expenditure on a similar fleet for air ambulance services.
Officials noted the federal government recently approved a C$753 million purchase of six new Bombardier jets to replace aging Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft, which will transport the prime minister and other officials.
Historical context and political implications
Private jet purchases have long been contentious in Ontario. In 1981, Premier Bill Davis faced similar backlash for buying a Challenger jet, which was later repurposed as an air ambulance before being sold amid public pressure.
Ford, who secured a third consecutive majority government in 2023, has seen his approval rating dip to 31%, according to an Angus Reid poll earlier this year. His frequent U.S. media appearances and anti-tariff campaigns-some of which have angered Trump-have raised his profile south of the border.
