Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says that he reversed course on keeping his $28.9-million private jet because he listened to the public’s concerns about the cost, but also said he believes he faces more scrutiny than other politicians.
Laura Stone and Ian Bailey report today that, for the first time, Ford addressed the controversy surrounding his government’s decision to purchase a preowned 2016 Challenger 650, made by Quebec company Bombardier.
On Sunday, Ford announced he would be selling the plane – just two days after the acquisition was revealed publicly.
“I heard from the people, and I’m the Premier that listens to the people. If they don’t like something, I’m not too shy to change my mind and say, ‘Okay, this isn’t the time,’” Ford said in Ottawa, where he was attending a business summit alongside several other premiers.
While Ford said he’s “made mistakes,” he added that he believes he faces more media scrutiny than other politicians.
He said both the federal government and Quebec have purchased jets at higher costs but did not receive the same level of blowback as he did.
“When I do it, I guess there’s a double standard,” Ford said.
In other news, the Canadian government said more than 7,300 people signed up to join the military over the past year, beating Forces recruitment targets for a second year in a row.
Steven Chase reports that a significant number of these new enrollees are not Canadian citizens, but foreigners with permanent residency, reflecting changes to recruitment criteria several years ago.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said today that the recruitment figures are the highest numbers in more than 30 years.
“As the Prime Minister has said, we are living through a time of profound change and uncertainty across the country,” he said.
Those enrolling are answering “the call to build a country that’s strong, free and sovereign,” Mr. McGuinty told reporters.
Figures released by the Department of National Defence show the Canadian Armed Forces surpassed its regular force recruiting target for the fiscal 2025-26 year ended March 31.
Over that year, the Forces enrolled 7,310 new members, exceeding a target of 6,957 recruits.
Also today, Maia Tustonic reports that Canada’s inflation rate jumped in March as consumers faced the largest monthly gas-price increase on record, owing to the Iran war.
The annual inflation rate hit 2.4 per cent last month, accelerating from 1.8 per cent in February, Statistics Canada reported Monday in its Consumer Price Index report. Despite the quickening of inflation, the figures came in weaker than analyst expectations of 2.6 per cent.
Gasoline prices have risen sharply in recent weeks because of the Middle Eastern conflict, which has throttled deliveries of crude oil and other commodities through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Prices at the pump surged by 21.2 per cent in March from February, the largest monthly increase recorded by Statscan. Excluding gas, the CPI rose by an annual 2.2 per cent in March, versus 2.4 per cent in February.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford at an event in Ottawa on Monday.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
What else is going on
Legal experts to advise court on sensitive intelligence tied to Nijjar murder trial: A Federal Court justice has appointed two outside legal observers to help determine what sensitive intelligence should be kept secret from next year’s murder trial over the slaying of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
More than half of Conservative voters want Poilievre to lead the party into next election: In addition to the finding, a growing minority would like to see him replaced before then, according to the poll.
Carney says close ties to U.S. have become ‘weaknesses’ that must be corrected: Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an economic pep talk to the country on Sunday, using social media to make a direct appeal to Canadians frustrated by Ottawa’s deteriorating trade relationship with the United States.
B.C. Premier to outline plans for Indigenous rights law: David Eby was scheduled today to disclose next steps on his government’s plans for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, backing away from a plan conveyed to First Nations over the weekend to suspend key provisions of the law this week.
Federal tax break on gas and diesel takes effect today: Ottawa’s temporary suspension of some fuel taxes means Canadians are likely to save 10 cents per litre on regular gasoline, and four cents on a litre of diesel.
Canadian airfares rise for first time in two years as cost of jet fuel soars: Statistics Canada says that plane ticket prices rose 2.9 per cent last month compared with March, 2025.
On our radar
Prime Minister’s Day: Mark Carney met with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. Carney spoke with Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar, as well as Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Party Leaders: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May attended Parliament virtually. No schedules released for other party leaders.
Ministers on the Road: In Germany, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly is at the HANNOVER MESSE 2026 industrial technology trade fair, at the beginning of a trip that will also include stops in Norway and will end Friday.
GG in NYC: Governor-General Mary Simon is in New York City to participate in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, attending the opening session today and delivering a keynote address. She is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Quote of the Day
“I’m not going into that bear trap.” - Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in Ottawa for a conference today, responds to a reporter’s question about changing the leadership of the federal Conservatives.
Question period
Who led the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberals to power on this day in 1989?
Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
Perspectives
Doug Ford gives up a gravy plane for his normal clown car
The instant Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles blasted out the words “gravy plane,” it became obvious that the private jet purchased by Ontario Premier Doug Ford was not long for this province.
— Robyn Urback, columnist
Regime change is the only responsible option to eliminate the threat of Iran
Right now, the outcome in Iran remains uncertain. If, however, the regime escapes again, and is able to rebuild, that would be a U.S. failure. There is still time to prevent this failure. Whether Mr. Trump can grasp this point is anybody’s guess.
— John Bolton served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006
Punishing young Canadians for leaving doesn’t solve the problem
The data show record numbers of people are leaving the country. Many of these are skilled young professionals, and the majority head to the U.S., drawn by greater professional opportunities, deeper networks and higher wages.
— Christopher Collins, fellow with the Polycrisis program at the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University
Go deeper
- Follow along for our stories on Canada-U.S. relations as news develops
- Get the latest insight and analysis from our political opinion writers
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The answer to today’s question: Clyde Wells, who was sworn in as premier on May. 5 and went on to lead the province until January of 1996.