Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed course and agreed to sell a recently acquired $21 million private jet following intense public and political criticism over the purchase.
Ford's office confirmed the sale of the pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 650 executive jet on Sunday, just days after announcing the C$28.9 million acquisition. The premier had initially defended the purchase as necessary for official travel, including trips to the United States to advocate against tariffs.
"Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane," Ford stated. "It will be sold as quickly as possible."
The announcement triggered immediate backlash from opposition parties and taxpayer advocacy groups, who labeled the aircraft a "gravy plane" and criticized the timing amid economic pressures facing Ontario families.
Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, accused Ford of making a hasty retreat. "Doug Ford is turning the plane around mid-air for an emergency landing because he got caught living like a rockstar on your dime," she said in a social media post.
Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser echoed the sentiment, stating, "Trying to buy a private jet while families are struggling says everything you need to know about Doug Ford."
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation had called for Ford to "stick to flying commercial," reflecting broader concerns about government spending priorities.
Ford, who won a rare third-consecutive majority government last year, has seen his approval ratings hover around 31% in recent polling—among the lowest for Canadian premiers. The jet controversy comes as his government faces scrutiny over various policy decisions and their alignment with public sentiment.
The premier emphasized that he remains committed to his diplomatic and economic goals despite abandoning the aircraft. "I will continue the work of building relationships with business and political leaders, both across Canada and in the United States, to fight tariffs, attract investments and create jobs for Ontario workers," he said.
The 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650, built in Canada, will be sold through Bombardier and other partners, according to Ford's office. The reversal marks a significant concession to public pressure in a province where cost-of-living concerns dominate political discourse.