Premier Doug Ford says the Government of Ontario has sold its controversial private jet for exactly what it paid, insisting taxpayers did not lose money after a public uproar forced a rapid reversal.
The province had announced the purchase of a used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 for $28.9 million only days earlier. But after intense criticism from opposition parties, taxpayers, and media commentators, Ford confirmed Wednesday that the aircraft had been sold back to Bombardier at the same price.
“We gave it back to Bombardier for the exact same price,” Ford said, adding that no money was lost in the transaction.
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy also said he was unaware of any financial loss and noted documentation related to the purchase and resale would be released through normal government processes.
The original decision had sparked outrage after Ford’s office argued the plane was necessary because Ontario is geographically large and because the premier required more secure travel for trips to the United States amid trade tensions with President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, Ford acknowledged the handling of the purchase had been flawed. He said he should have informed Ontarians beforehand and better explained why the government wanted the aircraft. However, he stopped short of apologizing for the purchase itself, saying he still believed it was justified.
Ford also pointed to the challenges of flying in northern Ontario using smaller propeller aircraft and again referenced his well-known fear of flying.
The controversy triggered swift political attacks. Opposition critics branded the aircraft the “gravy plane,” accusing the government of misplaced priorities at a time of fiscal pressure.
Marit Stiles has asked Ontario’s auditor general to investigate the transaction, citing concerns about transparency, stewardship, and value for money.
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser also attacked the move, saying the purchase showed Ford was out of touch with ordinary residents while the province carries significant debt.
Though the jet has now been returned, the political fallout is unlikely to disappear quickly, as critics frame the episode as a symbol of spending choices and government accountability ahead of future elections.