An expensive government plane has quickly become a political headache in Ontario.Canadian Premier Doug Ford said the province will sell a recently purchased $28.9 million private jet “as quickly as possible” after facing public and political backlash over the expensive decision.The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 650, was purchased for government use and was expected to be operational by the end of July. However, criticism from opposition leaders and taxpayer groups became sour shortly after the purchase was announced.Ford acknowledged the issue in a statement on Sunday. “Despite the best intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the time to pay for a government aircraft,” he added.
He added that Ontario is now working with Bombardier and other partners to sell the plane.According to government sources cited by CBC News, the province has been working on the purchase process for several months. The aircraft was manufactured in 2016 and was previously owned in South America. It underwent security and mechanical checks by the Ontario Provincial Police and Bombardier. Officials said no upgrades were needed and the plane would have provided “more assured, flexible, safe and discreet travel” for government use.
But opposition leaders say the move was far from reality, especially at a time when many residents are suffering from high costs of living.Ontario’s interim Liberal Leader, John Fraser, said the prime minister only acted after being under pressure. “Doug Ford never saw the light of day. He felt the heat. Now, after intense backlash, he’s rushing to sell his plane,” he said. Fraser also warned that a rapid turnaround could cost taxpayers, and suggested the plane would be sold at a loss and would remain a financial burden.New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles also criticized the purchase, describing the plane as a “private jet” and saying the Prime Minister should “fly economy like the rest of us”.The Canadian Taxpayers Federation had previously opposed the deal, citing Ontario’s growing debt. The district’s latest budget puts debt servicing costs at $17.2 billion, which exceeds spending on post-secondary education.Ford’s office had previously defended the purchase by comparing it to high spending by other governments, including Quebec and the federal government, on similar aircraft.
