Ford's Jet Flip: Public Pressure Wins

0:00It's April 22nd. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News today, powered by AI. Ontario's premier Doug Ford just flipped the script on that pricey private jet drama. His government bought a used Bombardier Challenger 650 for 28 million, $900,000 to handle official trips across. The province and into the U.S. by pushing back on tariffs. But now they've sold it right back to Bombardier for the exact same price. The jet was pitched as a secure ride for Ford's heavy travel schedule, covering huge distances similar to what other leaders handle. Quebec and the feds have shout out big on their own planes for ministers, but Ontario's move still drew heat amid skyrocketing living costs. Folks were fired up, especially in Toronto, saying that cash could have gone straight to hospitals, schools, or health care instead of luxury flights. Public backlash hit hard with people calling it tone deaf when everyday expenses are squeezing wallets.

1:00Ford owned the criticism, saying he's under more scrutiny than anyone. He told his team to unload the jet fast, and they did, announcing the sale Wednesday morning at a Toronto conference. This quick reversal shows how public pressure can shift policy on the fly, putting the money back in play without a loss. Car pivot or damage control. Either way, the jet's gone.