Photo credit: Bay observer
Premier Doug Ford has apparently heard the message and announced a U-turn on plans to keep a $28.9 million Challenger Jet.
The Bay Observer reports that the move to buy the plane attracted strong criticism from the Oppositon and media, as well as members of the public.
Ford said in a statement Sunday that he agrees with the concerns that were raised. “Despite the best of intentions, I have heard and agree that now is not the right time for the expense of a government plane,” he said.
A scan of US governors shows most states use turboprop aircraft with various versions of the Raytheon King Air being the most frequently employed. A used King Air costs in the $4 million range, cruises at about 300 MPH, and has sufficient range to cover most of Eastern Canada and the US. Only Texas places a Challenger jet at the governor’s disposal.
