Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed course on a $28.9 million private jet purchase, announcing plans to sell the Bombardier Challenger 650 just days after the deal was made public. The decision follows intense criticism from opposition leaders and advocacy groups over the expense during a time of economic strain for many Ontarians.
Ford acknowledged the public’s concerns in a statement on Sunday, admitting the timing was off for such a significant government expenditure.
“Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane,” he said. The province is now collaborating with Bombardier and other partners to offload the aircraft as swiftly as possible.
The pre-owned 2016 Challenger 650, previously owned by an individual in South America, was acquired directly from Bombardier with a capacity for up to 12 passengers and a spacious interior. Initially, Ford’s office justified the purchase as a means to facilitate his extensive travel within Ontario and to the United States, particularly to combat tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and to attract investments.
The government had anticipated the jet would be operational by the end of July after security and mechanical checks confirmed no upgrades were needed.
Opposition leaders were quick to condemn the acquisition when it was revealed on Friday. NDP Leader Marit Stiles branded it a “gravy plane,” echoing a term Ford and his late brother Rob used during their time at Toronto City Hall to criticize government excess. “Ontarians are struggling, and the premier of this province thinks now is a great time to buy a private jet,” Stiles said.
Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser also weighed in, calling the purchase inefficient compared to chartering flights. He argued that the move reflected a disconnect from the financial realities facing residents. The backlash underscored broader frustrations with rising living costs across the province.
Ford emphasized his commitment to economic outreach despite the reversal. He pledged to continue building relationships with business and political leaders in Canada and the U.S. to secure jobs and investments for Ontario workers. The sale process for the $28.9 million jet is already underway, though no timeline for completion has been disclosed.
The episode marks a rare policy retreat for Ford, whose government had framed the jet as a tool for secure and flexible travel. With the Bombardier Challenger 650 now on the market, the financial impact of the aborted purchase remains unclear, including any potential losses or costs tied to the resale.
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