Ontario is looking to sell the $28.9 million private jet that was purchased for Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s use.
“Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane,” said Ford in a statement Sunday.
He said the province is working with Bombardier “and other partners to sell the plane as quickly as possible.”
News of the purchase was confirmed by the province Friday. It was promptly met with backlash from opposition parties.
A government source told CBC News the province has been working for several months to buy the Bombardier Challenger 650, and they expected it to be in operation by the end of July.
The plane was purchased directly from Bombardier and was previously owned by someone in South America, the source said. Ontario Provincial Police and Bombardier performed security and mechanical checks on the plane, and no upgrades were needed, according to the province.
The province had said Friday that the jet, which was made in Canada in 2016, would allow “more certain, flexible, secure and confidential travel.”
More to come.
