Premier Ford’s luxury private business jet

Late last week, Ontarians learned that the Premier bought himself a $28.9 million Bombardier Challenger 650 for his government’s private use.

Why? Well, according to the Premier, there is way too much turbulence on existing government planes when flying to northern Ontario.

It turns out the aircraft that the Premier bought could have only been used at 10% of airports across Ontario, most of which are in southern Ontario. It wouldn’t have been able to land in most northern airports because the runways are too short or are not paved. Instead of purchasing his own luxury private business jet, the Premier could have just used the six-passenger Pilatus PC-24 business jet that the Ontario Provincial Police bought last year, or flown commercial like everyone else.

After massive public outcry, the Premier walked back his decision and told Ontarians that he would be selling the aircraft. A few days later, he defended his decision to buy the plane, saying that he could have communicated the decision better. The decision to purchase the plane was also approved unanimously by the Premier’s Cabinet.

Ontarians deserve a Premier who understands that just because you can spend taxpayers’ money, doesn’t mean that you always should. The Premier promised to end the gravy train and respect hardworking taxpayers. He promised that he would do things differently, that he would be a man of the people.

Instead of ending the gravy train, he bought himself a gravy plane.

The government says they don’t have enough money to properly fund our healthcare and education systems. They say they don’t have enough money to help students with OSAP. They say they don’t have enough to make life more affordable. But, let me get this straight… they have enough money for a luxury private jet? This government is tired, worn out and completely out of touch with everyday Ontarians.

The Premier and his government don’t need a luxury business jet. They need to ensure that every Ontarian has access to a family doctor. They need to tackle the $6.5 billion infrastructure backlog in Ontario schools. They need to make life more affordable. A luxury private business jet does absolutely nothing for Ontarians.

MPP Blais provided notice of dissatisfaction to the non answers to his legitimate questions about the Premier’s new private luxury business jet. This forced an opportunity to debate the issue. The Government House Leader admitted that the Premier flew on a private charter to Ottawa for a simple photo-op.