Ford faces pressure over $190,000 in jet costs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing renewed criticism after newly released documents revealed that taxpayers are still on the hook for more than $190,000 in aviation-related costs connected to the purchase and quick sale of a private jet, and he has stopped short of agreeing to personally cover the expense.

The provincial government bought a used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 jet earlier this year for the premier’s use. After the purchase became public and sparked widespread outcry, Ford pledged to sell the aircraft. The premier said the province sold the jet back to Bombardier for the same amount as the original purchase price, which was $28.9 million.

However, documents released recently by the premier’s office show that taxpayers are still facing additional costs of more than $190,000. The Opposition New Democrats have called on Ford to personally repay that money. When asked about that possibility at an unrelated press conference today, Ford did not commit to doing so.

Ford said that no one is more upset about the $200,000 in added costs than he is, noting that he prides himself on saving taxpayers money. He described the additional expense as something that “frustrates the...