Conservatives strike down MPP Bell’s call for special audit into Ford’s private jet purchase

QUEEN’S PARK — The Ford government struck down a motion by Ontario NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale), who called for the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to request a special audit by the province’s Auditor General, looking into Doug Ford’s purchase of a $30 million luxury private jet:

“The Ford government’s continued refusal to be transparent is unacceptable,” said Bell. “While Ontarians are struggling to afford rent and groceries, or find a job, the Premier is throwing himself a party with their tax dollars, and his Conservative caucus is letting him.

“We simply cannot take Ford and this government at their word. They say they got rid of their white elephant private jet but continue to hide the receipts. The people of our province deserve to know how much they’re on the hook for.

“The Premier’s secrecy is eroding trust in our democracy. He and his government need to remember that it's their job to answer to Ontarians — not the other way around. We have a right to know how much this farce cost Ontario taxpayers, whether Ford likes it or not.”