The Ontario government says it is moving “as quickly as possible” to sell a $28.9 million private jet acquired for official use, a decision that follows weeks of political backlash and public scrutiny over the high-cost purchase.
A spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford confirmed the government is actively exploring options to offload the aircraft, emphasizing a shift in priorities amid ongoing affordability concerns across the province.
“The focus right now is ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly,” the spokesperson said. “We are taking steps to divest from this asset promptly.”
Opposition parties, however, argue the move comes too late and reflects poor judgment at a time when many Ontarians are grappling with rising costs of living.
“This was a reckless and unnecessary expense from the start,” said Marit Stiles. “Families are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table, and this government thought it was appropriate to spend nearly $30 million on a luxury jet.”
Ontario Liberal interim leader John Fraser echoed those concerns, calling the purchase “deeply out of touch.”
“You don’t fix a mistake like this by quietly trying to sell it off,” Fraser said. “The public deserves accountability for how this decision was made in the first place.”
The government has not disclosed how much it expects to recoup from the sale, nor how long the process may take. Analysts suggest the province could face a financial loss depending on market conditions and the aircraft’s specifications.
The controversy adds to mounting pressure on the Ford government as it navigates economic challenges and public perception ahead of future policy decisions.
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