Ontario Premier Doug Ford talks with reporters before an event in Ottawa, Monday, April 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Ontario has sold a recently acquired used private jet for the same $28.9 million amount it originally paid, Premier Doug Ford announced on Wednesday.
Ford’s office revealed the purchase of the used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 jet on Friday, and by Sunday, the premier had decided to sell it following public backlash.
“We returned it to Bombardier for the exact same price; no one lost any money,” Ford stated at a conference hosted by . His office confirmed the sale price of $28.9 million later on Wednesday morning.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy mentioned he was “not aware that we’re out any money.”
He added that the province would share documents regarding the plane’s purchase and sale “in the normal course of action.”
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Bombardier confirmed it repurchased the plane from the province but chose not to comment further on the transaction.
“Bombardier cannot provide details about customer contracts due to our confidentiality policy,” said Louise Solomita, a spokesperson for the company.
The province took possession of the aircraft last week, a fact first reported by on Friday and later confirmed by Ford’s office.
The office explained that Ford needed a plane because Ontario is large, and he required something safer for his travels to the United States amid ongoing trade tensions with President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, Ford clarified that Ontario never took possession of the jet; Bombardier currently has it.
Ford expressed regret over how things unfolded with this deal, saying he should have informed taxpayers beforehand and justified why he needed the aircraft. However, he did not apologize for making the purchase itself.
He insisted he still believed buying the plane was a valid choice but opted to reverse his decision after hearing from constituents over that weekend.
The premier also mentioned that traveling in northern Ontario can be tough when relying on single-propeller planes. He often shares his fear of flying.
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The recent purchase triggered significant anger among taxpayers resulting in numerous calls and messages directed at Ford’s phone.
Criticism came swiftly from all political sides as opposition parties labeled this aircraft as “the gravy plane.”
The premier made it clear he was frustrated with media coverage surrounding this acquisition stating he’s under more scrutiny than both Prime Minister Trudeau and other provincial leaders across Canada.
Ford stated cabinet approved buying this jet earlier in the year and emphasized it would serve various government purposes beyond just transporting him around.
This past Tuesday New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles wrote to auditor general Shelley Spence requesting an investigation into both purchasing and selling of this aircraft.
“There are serious and growing concerns about financial management transparency and overall value for money related to this transaction,” Stiles wrote.
“Ontarians deserve clear independent accounting regarding how public funds were utilized in relation.”
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser remarked that Ford must take responsibility for choosing to buy such an expensive jet which demonstrates “he’s out of touch.”
“The premier bought himself a luxury jet; it’s part of his legacy now,” Fraser said.
“We’re half a trillion dollars in debt yet he thought buying a private jet was acceptable? Meanwhile all those who can’t fly lined up agreeing – so I guess he’s their king.”
This report from The Canadian Press first appeared April 22nd ,2026.
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