An expensive government jet has quickly become a political headache in Ontario.Canadian Premier Doug Ford says the province will sell a recently purchased $28.9 million private plane “as quickly as possible” after facing public and political backlash over the costly decision.The aircraft is a Bombardier Challenger 650 and was purchased for government use and was expected to be operational by the end of July. However, the purchase became tense immediately after it was made public, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and taxpayer groups.Ford acknowledged the issue in a statement Sunday. “Despite good intentions, I hear and agree that now is not the right time for government aircraft spending,” he said. He said Ontario is now working with Bombardier and other partners to sell the aircraft.According to government sources cited by CBC News, the province had been working on the purchase for several months. The jet was built in 2016 and was previously owned in South America. It was safety and mechanically checked by the Ontario Provincial Police and Bombardier. Officials said no upgrades were needed and the aircraft would provide “more assured, flexible, secure and confidential travel” for government use.But opposition leaders say the move was inappropriate, especially at a time when many residents are struggling with rising costs of living.Interim Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser said the prime minister only acted after facing pressure. He said, “Doug Ford didn’t see the lights. He felt the heat. Now, after the intense reaction, he’s struggling to sell his gravy plane.” Fraser also warned that a quick turnaround could cost taxpayers and suggested the jet could be sold at a loss and remain a financial burden.New Democratic Party leader Marit Stiles also criticized the purchase, calling the aircraft a “gravy plane” and saying the Prime Minister should be “flying economy like the rest of us”.The Canadian Taxpayers Federation had previously opposed the deal, pointing to Ontario’s growing debt. The province’s latest budget estimates the cost of loan repayment at $17.2 billion, more than the cost of post-secondary education.Ford’s office had previously defended the purchase by comparing it to greater spending on similar aircraft by other governments, including Quebec and the federal government.