Premier Doug Ford is facing sharp criticism after the Ontario government purchased a $28.9-million executive jet, a move opponents say is out of touch with the financial pressures facing families across the province.
The aircraft, a pre-owned 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650, was acquired to support the premier’s travel across Ontario, Canada and the United States. Ford’s office says the purchase is about efficiency, security and reliability rather than luxury.
Defending the decision, Ford spokesperson Hannah Jensen said the premier’s role requires extensive travel across a province that spans a massive geographic area, in addition to interprovincial meetings and international trips tied to trade and economic issues.
She added that the government selected a Canadian-made aircraft at a significantly lower cost than fleets purchased by other governments, pointing to Quebec’s Challenger acquisitions and Ottawa’s federal jet purchases.
The controversy is heightened by Ford’s own past comments. In 2019, he publicly said he preferred driving across Ontario rather than using the premier’s aircraft, presenting himself as a leader focused on direct contact with residents and prudent spending.
Now, opposition parties say the government has abandoned that message.
Marit Stiles accused Ford of promising to stop wasteful spending only to approve what she described as a luxury purchase while many Ontarians struggle with rising grocery and housing costs.
Interim Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser said the move shows a disconnect from everyday realities, arguing the affordability crisis should be the government’s priority.
Taxpayer advocates also joined the criticism. Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the purchase is difficult to justify while the province continues to carry significant debt and interest costs.
The government, however, argues that chartering private aircraft for official trips can be expensive over time. Ford has used chartered planes for several missions in recent years, including a recent Texas trade trip. Officials suggest owning an aircraft could reduce long-term travel costs while improving scheduling flexibility.
The new jet seats up to 12 passengers and reportedly underwent review of its previous flight history before purchase. It will operate out of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The issue also revives a long political history in Ontario. Previous governments explored or purchased aircraft for official travel, only to face public backlash and retreat from the plans.
With more trade missions and intergovernmental meetings ahead, the debate is likely to continue. For supporters, the jet is a practical tool for governing a large province in a competitive era. For critics, it has become a symbol of misplaced priorities during a time of economic strain.