The sale of Doug Ford’s private jet, a $28.9-million Bombardier Challenger 650, felt like a victory. But the swift reversal of course reveals a troubling pattern beneath the surface – a disconnect between promises made and actions taken when it comes to Ontario’s finances.
Ford built his political identity as a champion of the everyday person, a fighter against the perceived excesses of established politicians. He openly criticized previous governments, vowing “zero tolerance for any form of financial scandals and abuse.” He even highlighted his intention to sell the existing government plane, framing it as a symbol of fiscal responsibility.
The purchase of a new jet, however, ignited a firestorm. The backlash was immediate and intense, forcing a quick about-face just two days after the story broke. But the explanation offered wasn’t an admission of wrongdoing, but rather a lament that he hadn’t successfully *persuaded* the public of the necessity of a private jet, citing a personal discomfort with smaller aircraft.
This incident isn’t isolated. It’s part of a larger trend of broken promises and expanding government spending. Ford once pledged to eliminate a $12-million annual per-vote subsidy for political parties, a program he derided as wasteful. Instead, he made it permanent, ensuring a continued flow of funds – $12.6 million this year – largely benefiting his own Progressive Conservatives.
Simultaneously, salaries for Ontario MPPs have steadily increased, accompanied by the introduction of a new pension plan after just six years of service. The initial promise of a smaller cabinet has also been abandoned. What began with 21 ministers has swelled to 37, each appointment adding $69,065 to the taxpayer burden.
The expansion extends beyond cabinet positions. The number of highly-paid staff within the premier’s office has more than doubled, from 22 earning over $100,000 in 2019 to 50 in 2025. This growth in personnel and spending is directly linked to a concerning rise in Ontario’s debt.
Over eight years, the Ford government has accumulated $147.5 billion in debt, resulting in a staggering $17.2 billion in interest charges this year alone – equivalent to $1,060 per Ontario resident, or over $1.4 billion monthly. Interest payments are now the fastest-growing component of the provincial budget.
Ontario taxpayers are bearing the cost of this financial trajectory, and the premier’s carefully cultivated image is suffering as a result. A return to the principles Ford once espoused – fiscal conservatism, waste reduction, and responsible borrowing – is now critical.
The path forward demands a genuine commitment to cutting taxes, eliminating unnecessary spending, and breaking the cycle of debt. It requires more than just selling a jet; it demands a fundamental shift in approach to governing Ontario’s finances.
