Doug Ford to sell Ontario’s $28.9m jet after backlash over taxpayer funded private aircraft

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will sell its recently purchased $28.9 million private jet “as quickly as possible” following widespread public backlash.

The purchase of Bombardier Challenger 650 was confirmed earlier this week and immediately drew criticism from opposition parties and advocacy groups.

In a statement on Sunday, Ford acknowledged those concerns, saying: "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 added that Ontario is working with Bombardier “and other partners to sell the plane as quickly as possible.”

The province had initially defended the purchase, saying the aircraft would support the premier’s travel within Ontario, across Canda and to the United States to advocate against tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

According to CBC, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said Ford changed course after “the heat [got] too hot,” while Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the premier is “only selling the jet because he got caught.”