In a stunning display of political aeronautics, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has agreed to sell a recently purchased private jet after public opinion suggested he was flying a little too high. The pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 650, acquired for a cool C$28.9 million ($21 million; £15.5 million), will now be returned to the market.
Ford's office had initially justified the 2016-built Canadian jet as a necessary tool for official travel, specifically to lobby the US against tariffs. However, after confirming the purchase on Friday, he was swiftly met with a turbulence of criticism. Political opponents branded it a "gravy plane" and evidence of being "out of touch," forcing the Premier to announce on Sunday that it would be sold "as quickly as possible."
"Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane," Ford stated, demonstrating a newfound understanding of optics. He confirmed the province is working with Bombardier and other partners on the sale.
Critics were, predictably, unimpressed with the timeline. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation suggested Ford should simply "stick to flying commercial." Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, claimed he only reversed course after "the heat [got] too hot," accusing him of making an emergency landing "because he got caught living like a rockstar on your dime." Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser similarly accused Ford of wanting to "live like a billionaire" with public money.
The episode unfolds against a backdrop of shaky political altitude for Ford. His polling hovers around a modest 31%, among the lowest in Canada for a premier who secured a rare third-consecutive majority government just last year. He maintains he will continue his relationship-building work to fight tariffs and create jobs, presumably via slightly more economical transport.