Ontario Releases Records Behind Controversial $28.9M Private Jet Purchase
The Government of Ontario has disclosed financial records connected to its controversial $28.9-million private jet acquisition, shedding light on additional costs that intensified public criticism surrounding the deal.
The controversy erupted after Doug Ford announced last month that the province had purchased a pre-owned 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650. The move quickly triggered backlash from taxpayers and political opponents, prompting the government to reverse the decision within days.
Ford later confirmed that the aircraft had been sold back to Bombardier for the same purchase price, while promising full transparency regarding the financial transactions.
Documents released Wednesday reveal the province still accumulated nearly $200,000 in aviation-related expenses before taxes despite the short ownership period. The records show almost $140,000 was spent on aircraft management services, including maintenance, storage and operational servicing.
In addition, the government paid close to $34,000 for external legal counsel connected to the transaction.
According to a ministry briefing note, Ontario officially purchased the executive aircraft on April 15 before returning it to Bombardier less than two weeks later on April 27.
The disclosure has reignited debate over government spending priorities and accountability, with critics questioning why taxpayers were exposed to substantial operational costs during such a brief and controversial ownership period.
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