Ontario Premier Doug Ford has replaced the chair of the Progressive Conservative caucus following an internal disagreement involving the provincial pension plan for MPPs and the government’s controversial attempt to purchase a private jet.
According to Global News, Will Bouma was relieved of his responsibilities as caucus chair after raising concerns during a Progressive Conservative caucus meeting at Queen’s Park. Multiple sources speaking to Global News said the confrontation unfolded as some government members expressed frustration over changes affecting their pension arrangements.
The Ontario legislature unanimously approved a pension plan for MPPs following the 2025 provincial election. Under the arrangement, members were required to contribute to their retirement plans and were not given an option to withdraw from the program. Some MPPs also faced the possibility of paying significant amounts to recognize their previous years of service and qualify for the maximum available pension after retirement.
According to Global News, the provincial government had considered spending approximately $35 million to provide all 124 MPPs with access to funds that would allow them to recognize their full time in office. The measure would have required a regulatory change that would become publicly available through a provincial website.
The issue reportedly became more politically sensitive after the government faced criticism over its decision to purchase a Challenger 650 aircraft for approximately $28.9 million. The plane was intended to support the premier’s travel across North America. Ford later apologized for how the decision was communicated and returned the aircraft to Bombardier.
According to sources cited by Global News, Progressive Conservative MPPs were later informed that the pension funding plan would not move forward because of concerns that it could be perceived as politicians providing financial benefits to themselves. Bouma reportedly raised the matter directly with Ford and expressed disappointment that the jet controversy had affected the pension decision.
Global News reported that Bouma was called into a meeting with the premier immediately after the caucus gathering and removed from his role as chair. Progressive Conservative MPPs were later informed by email that Matthew Rae would take over the position.
The email thanked Bouma for his service but did not reference the disagreement. Some Progressive Conservative members reportedly viewed the change as a signal that further discussion about the pension issue was being discouraged.
The dispute adds another political challenge for the Ford government as it attempts to shift attention toward affordability measures, including housing tax relief and the removal of highway tolls. Readers can follow continuing developments in Ontario politics through Weekly Voice and the latest updates in the Canada news section.
