Opposition MPPs highlighted the premier’s habit of using chartered flights during discussions on the government’s spending plans.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a Village Media website focused solely on provincial politics at Queen’s Park.
Captain Canada or General Ford?
An Ontario cabinet member close to Premier Doug Ford stood by his use of private planes on Tuesday, calling him a “general” who travels with “all his soldiers.”
Red Tape Reduction Minister Andrea Khanjin, also the MPP for Barrie-Innisfil, answered questions about the premier’s private flight usage while testifying before a parliamentary committee examining Ford’s office’s 2026-27 budget plans.
Khanjin didn’t directly respond when Liberal MPP Stephanie Bowman asked her how much of the premier’s office’s $73,100 travel budget was allocated for renting private jets.
Instead, Khanjin assured her that when Ford flies privately, his flights are “filled with security staff.”
“Because the reality of when you’re premier of this province, you can’t just always fly without security,” Khanjin explained. “And, the general needs to bring all his soldiers when it comes to this economic trade war.”
As premier, Ford is accompanied by a small team of security provided by the Ontario Provincial Police whenever he goes anywhere. Records from some of Ford’s recent chartered flights indicate he often travels with several aides or other government officials during these private flights.
Ford’s use of chartered flights has sparked controversy since he faced backlash this spring for acquiring a $28.9-million jet for his personal use. The response was so intense that the government sold the plane shortly thereafter.
The Trillium reported that by the time they got the jet, Ford had pretty much stopped flying commercial altogether. Instead, they had been booking private planes for most of his travel across Ontario and into the United States.
“We have a premier – he’s our general – he’s going out there and signing not only agreements and memos of understanding with other states but in real time, helping to secure Ontario jobs,” Khanjin noted during her committee testimony.
Mike Harris Jr., Ontario’s minister of natural resources, appeared before another parliamentary committee on Tuesday and faced similar inquiries since it was his ministry that officially obtained the jet for Ford’s use.
“I think the premier was very clear – I think our government has been very clear – hearing from the public and understanding that it was probably not the right time to do that,” said Harris Jr.
“We did return the jet. Yes, we are out a rough cost of about $200,000 on that purchase of said plane, but as we know – and as we heard loud and clear, and as you’ve seen – Premier Ford … when he realizes and understands that it’s not the right time or maybe it’s not in the best interest of the people of Ontario, we always do what’s right; I think that’s what defines this government,” added Harris Jr.
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