Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent visit to Texas for trade discussions and tariff talks amounted to a total cost of just over $93,000, as revealed in a decision note obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request. The trip, spanning multiple days with a preliminary two-day mission to finalize logistics, incurred expenses totaling $93,179, as per the decision note. The document emphasized efforts to optimize outcomes and minimize costs, citing various cost-saving strategies employed during the visit. These measures included securing the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan as a sponsor, which reduced expenses by $7,500, opting for a reception instead of pricier meal options at a venue with lower rental and catering costs, maintaining minimal staffing levels, and securing government-rate hotel accommodations.
During his visit to Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Ford engaged primarily with business leaders and companies, as reported by the Toronto Star. Despite initial plans, his anticipated meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a longstanding ally of former President Trump, did not materialize. The premier’s office defended the trip, highlighting the longstanding trade relationship between Texas and Ontario and the benefits it offers to families, workers, and businesses on both sides of the border. The statement from the premier’s office also underscored the significant economic impact of Ontario’s trade with Texas, noting that the state ranks second in exports to Ontario and fourth in imports from the province.
Opposition leaders criticized Ford’s trip, labeling it a wasteful expenditure. NDP Leader Marit Stiles questioned the absence of tangible investment outcomes from the visit, characterizing it as an extravagantly priced trip to Texas. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser echoed similar sentiments, referring to the trip as a “dog and pony show” and expressing a desire to see concrete results and investments brought back to Ontario. Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner emphasized the importance of transparent and fiscally responsible government travel, advocating for accountability in spending taxpayer dollars.
Despite requests for a breakdown of trip expenses, the decision note did not provide detailed costing information. CBC News sought clarification from the premier’s office, but a breakdown of expenses was not included in the response.