Ontario discloses $200,000 costs in brief jet ownership

TORONTO Ontario's government has disclosed documents revealing nearly $200,000 in pretax aviation costs tied to its brief ownership of a $28.9 million used private jet, purchased and sold back to the manufacturer within two weeks amid public backlash.

The province acquired the 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 on April 15 from the aerospace company and resold it on April 27 for the same price, according to a ministry briefing note. Premier Doug Ford announced the purchase last month, initially defending it as necessary for government travel across Ontario, Canada and the United States, including meetings of the Council of the Federation and First Ministers conferences.

The transaction drew swift criticism, prompting Ford to reverse course. "I'm the premier that listens to the people," Ford said at the time. "If they don't like something, I'm not too shy to change my mind and say, OK, this isn't the time, and move on."

The released documents, made public late Wednesday afternoon, detail expenses beyond the purchase and sale. They include almost $140,000 for aircraft management services such as maintenance, storage and servicing, plus nearly $34,000 for external legal counsel. Ford...