Ontario premier's Texas trade mission costs taxpayers $93,179, documents show

Documents released through a freedom-of-information request show that Ontario Premier Doug Ford's spring trade mission to Texas cost $93,179, including a two-day logistical advance. The decision note cites measures to curb spending, such as securing the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan as a sponsor, opting for a modest reception instead of a dinner, limiting staff, and using government-rate hotel rooms. During the trip Ford visited Houston, Dallas and Austin, meeting more than ten major business figures, though a scheduled meeting with Governor Greg Abbott never took place.

The premier’s office defended the trip, saying it will lay the foundation for billions of dollars in new investment, more high-wage jobs, and stronger economic ties, noting that Texas accounts for nearly half of Canada’s trade with the state. Opposition leaders, including NDP leader Marit Stiles and interim Liberal leader John Fraser, condemned the cost and asked for concrete outcomes. The province did not provide a detailed expense breakdown when asked.