Kamal Ghorui
A costly government jet has quickly turned into a political headache in Ontario.Canadian Premier Doug Ford says the province will sell a recently purchased $28.9 million private aircraft “as quickly as possible” after facing public and political backlash over the expensive decision.The plane is a Bombardier Challenger 650 and was bought for government use and was expected to be operational by end of July. However, criticism from opposition leaders and taxpayer groups became tense soon after the purchase became public.In a statement on Sunday, Ford acknowledged the issue. “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. He added that Ontario is now working with Bombardier and other partners to sell the aircraft.According to government sources cited by CBC News, the province had been working on the purchase for several months. The jet was built in 2016 and was previously owned in South America. It underwent security and mechanical checks by the Ontario Provincial Police and Bombardier. Officials said no upgrades were required and that the aircraft would have provided “more certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel” for government use.But opposition leaders say the move was out of touch, especially at a time when many residents are struggling with rising living costs.Interim Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser said the premier only acted after facing pressure. “Doug Ford didn’t see the light. He felt the heat. Now, only after intense backlash, he’s scrambling to sell his gravy plane,” he said. Fraser also warned the quick turnaround could cost taxpayers and suggested the jet could be sold at a loss and remain a financial burden.New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles also criticised the purchase, calling the aircraft a “gravy plane” and saying the premier should be “flying economy like the rest of us.”The Canadian Taxpayers Federation had earlier opposed the deal, pointing to Ontario’s growing debt. The province’s latest budget lists debt servicing costs at $17.2 billion, which exceeds spending on post secondary education.Ford’s office had previously defended the purchase by comparing it to higher spending by other governments, including Quebec and the federal government, on similar aircraft.
