Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s spring visit to Texas for discussions on trade and tariffs incurred a total expense of approximately $93,000, as revealed in a document obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request. The trip, spanning multiple days with a preliminary “advance mission” to organize logistics, amounted to $93,179, according to the disclosed note. The document highlights efforts to optimize outcomes while minimizing costs.
Cost-saving strategies outlined in the note included securing sponsorship from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, resulting in a $7,500 reduction in expenses. Additionally, a reception, instead of a costly lunch or dinner, was hosted at a venue with economical rental and catering services. The staffing was kept minimal, and accommodations were booked at government rates to further save on expenditures.
During his visit to Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Ford engaged with business leaders and companies. However, a planned 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, which benefits both regions economically.
The premier’s discussions with over 10 major employers in Texas were aimed at laying the groundwork for substantial new investments, job creation, and enhanced economic ties between Ontario and the United States. The province’s trade with Texas contributes significantly to Canada’s overall trade with the state, with Texas ranking 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 trip’s effectiveness in attracting investments, deeming it excessively costly. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser referred to the trip as a mere spectacle, urging transparency on the outcomes and investments secured for Ontario.
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner stressed the importance of transparent and fiscally responsible travel by Ford, advocating for prudent use of taxpayer funds. Despite requests for a detailed breakdown of expenses, the premier’s office did not provide one in response to CBC News inquiries.
For more details, you can refer to the original article [here](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-doug-ford-texas-trip-cost-9.7312305).