Newly released government documents show the Government of Ontario spent nearly $200,000 in aviation-related costs connected to the short-lived purchase of a private jet by Premier Doug Ford’s government.
The controversy began last month after news surfaced that the province had purchased a used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 executive jet for approximately $28.9 million.
The purchase triggered significant public criticism and political backlash, with many questioning the timing and necessity of the acquisition amid ongoing affordability concerns across Ontario.
Within days of the public reaction, Premier Ford announced that the aircraft would be sold back to Bombardier for the same purchase price, stating taxpayers would not lose money on the transaction.
However, documents released Wednesday reveal that the province still incurred close to $200,000 in additional aviation-related expenses during the brief ownership period.
According to the records, Ontario spent approximately $140,000 on aircraft management services, including maintenance, storage and servicing of the executive jet. Another nearly $34,000 was spent on outside legal counsel connected to the purchase and resale process.
Government briefing notes show the aircraft was officially purchased on April 15 and sold back to Bombardier on April 27, meaning the province owned the jet for less than two weeks.
The revelations are likely to continue drawing scrutiny from opposition parties and taxpayers who have questioned the government’s handling of the purchase and the costs associated with reversing the deal.
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is considered a high-end executive aircraft commonly used for corporate and government travel, capable of carrying passengers on long-range international flights.