Ford Grounds the “Gravy Plane”: Ontario Reverses Course on $28.9M Private Jet

After 48 hours of intense public blowback and political maneuvering, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially scrapped the controversial purchase of a $28.9 million private jet.

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The deal, which involved a pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 650, was initially framed by the government as a practical necessity for inter-provincial travel and economic missions to the U.S. However, the move was quickly met with sharp criticism regarding the optics of such an expense during a province-wide cost-of-living crisis.

The Swift Pivot

The backlash was immediate, with the opposition and the public labeling the aircraft the “gravy plane”—a direct jab at Ford’s own historic “stop the gravy train” rhetoric. By Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Premier conceded that the timing was wrong.

“I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane,” Ford stated in an official reversal.

What Happens Now?

The province is currently coordinating with Bombardier to offload the asset. While the government claims they are looking for a quick sale, several questions remain:

• Financial Fallout: Opposition leaders, including the NDP’s Marit Stiles, are demanding transparency on potential losses. Selling a high-value asset so soon after acquisition often results in a financial “haircut” for taxpayers.
• Political Framing: While the PC party is framing the reversal as “listening to the people,” critics argue it was an “emergency landing” forced by plummeting optics rather than a change of heart.
• Next Steps: As of April 20, the focus has shifted to the final bill. The public is waiting to see the total cost of this brief foray into private aviation, including any cancellation fees or depreciation.

Current Status: The jet is back on the market, and the Premier’s office is prioritizing a swift exit from the deal to minimize further political damage.