‘Gravy plane’: Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford
Written by The Canadian Press on April 17, 2026
TORONTO — Ontario taxpayers are footing the bill for a $29-million private jet for Premier Doug Ford’s use, a purchase opposition leaders say is a waste of money.
The premier’s office said the province purchased a used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 jet for $28.9 million. It will operate out of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
“As part of the job of being premier of Ontario, there is extensive travel within Ontario, a province twice the landmass of Texas,” Ford’s office wrote in a statement.
“This is in addition to travel across Canada for Council of the Federation and first ministers’ meetings, which have increased in frequency, as well as travel to the United States to help make the case against President Trump’s tariffs.”
Ford’s office said the government purchased the plane to “support more certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel.”
The office noted the jet is cheaper than the $107 million Quebec taxpayers paid for two new Challenger jets and one used one.
Opposition parties slammed the purchase, which comes during a years-long affordability crisis that has hit the country.
“Forget the gravy train — this is the gravy plane,” said interim Liberal leader John Fraser in a statement.
“After eight long years, this premier has lost the plot. He’s out of touch, and it’s time for a change.”
The province should be spending that money elsewhere, such as in classrooms, said New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles.
“Ford ran on a promise to stop the gravy train only to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on his gravy plane,” she said.
“This is ridiculous.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2026.
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press