From “Gravy Train” to “Gravy Plane”: The Rise and Fall of Doug Ford’s Private Jet
In Ontario politics, few phrases carry as much weight as “the gravy train.” It was the slogan that propelled the Ford family to prominence, a promise to end wasteful government spending. But this past week, that train almost became a plane—and the public reaction was nothing short of turbulent.
Here is the breakdown of the $29-million controversy that took off and landed in record time.
The Purchase: A $28.9 Million “Tool for Business”
On Friday, April 17, 2026, news broke that the Ontario government had purchased a pre-owned 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 for $28.9 million. According to reports from CTV News, the Premier’s Office initially defended the purchase as a practical necessity rather than a luxury.
The government’s official justifications included:
- Trade War Diplomacy: The need for rapid travel to the U.S. to lobby against President Trump’s tariffs.
- Provincial Scale: Reminding critics that Ontario is “twice the landmass of Texas.”
- Security & Efficiency: Providing a secure environment for confidential government business.
Officials even pointed out that Ontario was being “frugal” compared to others, noting that the federal government recently spent over $700 million on a new fleet, as detailed by CityNews Toronto.
The Backlash: “The Gravy Plane”
The timing of the purchase could not have been more sensitive. With Ontarians facing a persistent affordability crisis and rising grocery costs, the sight of a 12-seat executive jet being added to the provincial ledger sparked immediate outrage.
Opposition leaders didn’t pull any punches:
- Marit Stiles (NDP): Dubbed the aircraft the “Gravy Plane,” accusing Ford of “living like a rockstar” while families struggle.
- John Fraser (Liberal): Slammed the Premier for being “out of touch,” suggesting Ford was trying to “live like a billionaire” on the taxpayer’s dime.
- The Canadian Taxpayers Federation: Labeled the move “unacceptable,” pointing out that the province is already wasting over $1 billion a month just on debt interest.
The social media response was equally fierce, with critics highlighting the irony of Ford—who once famously bragged about being the only Premier who would rather drive himself than fly—now owning a private jet, a sentiment captured in coverage by CP24.
The Reversal: An Emergency Landing
In a move that mirrors the 2023 Greenbelt reversal, Premier Ford performed a swift political U-turn. Just 48 hours after the purchase was confirmed, Ford announced on Sunday, April 19, that the province would be selling the jet immediately.
“Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane.” — Premier Doug Ford (via CityNews)
The Premier acknowledged that the public feedback made it clear that the optics were untenable. The province is now working with Bombardier to offload the aircraft “as quickly as possible.”
How It’s Being Handled Now
While the plane is being put back on the market, the political fallout continues. According to The Canadian Press, the government is now in damage-control mode, attempting to pivot back to a focus on jobs and investment.
However, critics aren’t letting him off the hook easily. There are now concerns about:
- Financial Loss: Whether the province will lose money on the resale due to taxes, commissions, or market fluctuations.
- The “Caught” Pattern: Opposition members argue this is another example of the government only doing the “right thing” after getting caught in a public relations firestorm.
The Bottom Line
For Doug Ford, the “Gravy Plane” saga serves as a stark reminder that in a climate of high inflation, the optics of “executive privilege” are more dangerous than ever. For now, the Premier will be sticking to the road—or at least the economy cabin.
Ontario buys used jet worth $29M for Premier Doug Ford
This video provides a concise visual report on the initial purchase and the early public reaction to the $29-million private jet.
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