The Current Doug Ford’s “gravy plane” irks Ontario voters
Apr 21, 2026
Robert Benzie, Queen's Park bureau chief who broke the story, offers insider perspective. Matt Gurney, journalist and co-founder of The Line, provides political analysis. They unpack how the $29 million jet deal moved fast through cabinet. They debate whether a premier needs a plane and examine the optics and political fallout for Ford.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rapid U‑Turn On $28.9M Jet Purchase
- The Ford government bought a used $28.9 million jet then reversed course and announced it would sell it two days later.
- Robert Benzie reports the purchase cleared cabinet, leaked in Thursday's press, and collapsed under public scrutiny by Sunday.
Voyage From Anti‑Plane Promises To Jet Purchase
- Matt Galloway and guests recall Ford's earlier van and anti-plane rhetoric as context for the backlash.
- Benzie cites the 2019 van episode and Ford's legislative line about refusing the King Air as history repeating.
Operational Case For A Premier's Plane
- Matt Gurney says the plane purchase was defensible on operational grounds given Ontario's size and the premier's travel demands.
- He notes cabinet approval and travel volume made a case for having a dedicated aircraft, even if politically risky.