What to know
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says records related to the return of the province’s $28.9-million private jet are being finalized and will be released soon.
- Ford announced plans to return the Bombardier Challenger 650 after facing public backlash over the purchase, admitting it was “not the time” to buy the aircraft.
- The province had defended the jet purchase, saying it would be used for government travel across Canada and to the United States.
- Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles called on Auditor General Shelley Spence to investigate the jet’s acquisition costs, resale value, maintenance expenses and any financial losses tied to the deal.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says receipts related to the return trip of the province’s private jet are being finalized and will be released once the paperwork is complete.
Ford provided the update Tuesday during a press conference after being asked whether he still planned to release records proving the return of the aircraft, which reportedly cost nearly $28.9 million.
“Absolutely,” Ford said. “The lawyers are just doing the paperwork. As everyone knows, we sent back the Bombardier. I know you’re very, very anxious. I promise I will call you when we get that done.”
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Ford added that the records could be released “very shortly,” but did not provide an exact date.
The update comes nearly three weeks after Ford announced he would return the Bombardier Challenger 650 following public backlash over the purchase.
At the time, Ford acknowledged the criticism and said buying the jet had been a mistake.
“I’m the premier that listens to the people,” Ford previously said. “If they don’t like something, I’m not too shy to change my mind and say, ‘OK, this isn’t the time,’ and move on.”
Despite the reversal, the province had defended the purchase, saying the aircraft would be used for extensive travel across Ontario and Canada, including Council of the Federation and First Ministers’ meetings, as well as trips to the United States.
Following the purchase, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Ontario Auditor General Shelley Spence launched scrutiny into the acquisition.
In a letter posted to social media, Stiles called on the auditor general to investigate the jet’s total acquisition cost, resale value, operating and maintenance expenses, and any financial losses tied to the transaction.
The controversy also emerged as the provincial government moved to introduce legislation that would allow it to take control of city-owned land at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to expand the airport and accommodate modern jets.
