Taxpayer Cost of Ford’s Texas Trade Visit Exceeds $93K

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s trip to Texas in spring for discussions on trade and tariffs cost taxpayers a little over $93,000, according to a decision note obtained by through a freedom of information request.

The total expense for the multi-day visit, which included a two-day “advance mission” to sort out logistics, amounted to $93,179 as stated in the decision note.

“All efforts have been made to maximize outcomes and minimize costs,” the document notes.

The cost-saving strategies mentioned in the note included:

Securing sponsorship from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, saving $7,500. Hosting a reception instead of a dinner or lunch at a venue with lower rental and catering fees. Keeping staffing levels “to a minimum.” Booking hotel rooms at government rates.

During his trip, Ford visited Houston, Dallas, and Austin. He primarily met with business leaders and companies. His planned meeting with Texas governor Greg Abbott did not take place.

WATCH | What you should know about Ford’s Texas trip:

Everything you need to know about Ford’s visit to Texas

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is in Texas meeting politicians and business leaders to discuss trade with Ontario. CBC’s Lorenda Reddekopp breaks down what we know about the trip and what Texans are saying about tariffs.

Groundwork laid for new investment: premier’s office

The premier’s office supported Ford’s trip by telling that Texas and Ontario share a “long-standing trade relationship that benefits families, workers, and businesses on both sides of the border.”

“While in Texas, the premier met with over 10 major employers and laid the groundwork for billions of dollars of new investment, more good-paying jobs, and stronger economic ties between Ontario and the United States,” it stated in an emailed message on Tuesday.

The office also mentioned that trade between Ontario and Texas constitutes nearly half of Canada’s overall trade with that state. Additionally, Texas ranks second in exports to Ontario while being fourth in imports from Ontario.

Opposition leaders criticized the premier’s journey as an unnecessary expense.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed that she hasn’t seen “any indication” that this trip resulted in “any investment.”

“It sounds like the most expensive trip to Texas I’ve ever heard of,” she commented.

“Nothing seems to explain that kind of price tag.”

Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser referred to it as a “dog and pony show.”

“I’m not sure what was achieved down there. I know he didn’t meet with the governor,” said Fraser while adding he wants clarity on what benefits were brought back for Ontario from this trip.

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Trump pauses 50% tariffs , saying new trade deal reached

U. S. President Donald Trump has paused 50 per cent tariffs on Canada , saying the two countries have reached a new trade deal that just needs to be finalized. In a statement , Prime Minister Mark Carney said ‘substantial progress has been made.’

Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner emphasized that Ford should travel transparently while respecting taxpayer money.

“I ‘m all for the premier going to U. S. and defending Ontario. What I ‘m not for is a government that’s going try waste our tax dollars on private luxury jets , fancy hotel rooms , and expensive dinners ,” he stated.

The decision note did not break down any specific expenses related to this trip. The requested an itemized list from the premier’s office but received no detailed response.

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