Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s visit to Texas for discussions on trade and tariffs cost taxpayers approximately $93,000, 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, amounted to $93,179. The document emphasized efforts to optimize outcomes while minimizing expenses.
Cost-saving strategies outlined in the note included securing sponsorship from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, saving $7,500, opting for a reception instead of costly meals at a venue with affordable rental and catering services, maintaining minimal staffing levels, and securing government-rate hotel accommodations. Ford traveled to Houston, Dallas, and Austin during the visit, primarily engaging with business leaders and companies. Notably, the anticipated meeting between Ford and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a close ally of former President Trump, did not materialize.
The premier’s office defended the trip, highlighting the longstanding trade relationship between Texas and Ontario, benefiting families, workers, and businesses on both sides of the border. The office noted that during the visit, Ford met with more than 10 major employers, laying the groundwork for potential new investments amounting to billions of dollars, additional jobs, and reinforced economic bonds between Ontario and the U.S.
Critics, however, including opposition leaders, criticized Ford’s trip as a misuse of public funds. NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed skepticism about the trip’s investment outcomes, labeling it as an overly expensive endeavor. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser characterized the visit as a show, questioning its achievements and advocating for diversification of Ontario’s international partnerships to regions like Japan, India, and Europe.
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner emphasized the need for transparent and responsible spending of taxpayers’ money during official trips. While the decision note did not provide a detailed breakdown of expenses, inquiries by CBC News for such information from the premier’s office did not yield a response.