Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s visit to Texas for trade discussions and tariff talks amounted to approximately $93,000 in expenses covered by taxpayers, as per a document obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request. The total expenditure for the trip, which involved a two-day preliminary mission to finalize arrangements, was $93,179, as outlined in the document. Efforts were made to optimize outcomes and minimize expenses, with measures such as securing sponsorship from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan to save $7,500, opting for a cost-effective reception venue over pricier dining options, maintaining minimal staffing levels, and booking government-rated hotel accommodations.
During the Texas visit, Ford traveled to Houston, Dallas, and Austin, holding meetings mainly with business executives and companies. However, his anticipated meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a close ally of former President Trump, did not materialize. The premier’s office defended the trip, emphasizing the longstanding trade relationship between Texas and Ontario that benefits both regions economically. The office highlighted that during the visit, Ford engaged with over 10 major employers, paving the way for potential new investments worth billions of dollars, additional well-paying jobs, and enhanced economic connections between Ontario and the U.S.
Opposition leaders criticized Ford’s trip, labeling it as an unnecessary expenditure. NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed skepticism about the trip’s effectiveness in attracting investments, while Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser called it a mere spectacle. Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner stressed the importance of transparent spending by public officials, urging Ford to prioritize taxpayer accountability in his travel expenditures. Despite requests for a breakdown of the trip costs, the premier’s office did not provide detailed expense information in response to CBC News queries.
