Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed his firm stance against Diageo’s decision to close its nearly 100-year-old bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont. Ford declared at a union rally in Brampton that he would remove Crown Royal, the iconic Canadian whisky brand, from the shelves of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) if the plant closure proceeds.
Ford’s remarks, made over the weekend, marked his strongest statement yet regarding the potential discontinuation of Crown Royal sales by the LCBO, a major buyer of alcohol globally. The Premier emphasized his commitment to supporting the approximately 200 workers at the southwestern Ontario facility facing job losses.
In a televised press conference in early September, Ford symbolically poured out a bottle of Crown Royal, criticizing Diageo’s decision as shortsighted and detrimental to the affected employees. The multinational corporation defended its closure plan, citing the need to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience by shifting some bottling operations closer to U.S. consumers.
The union representing the plant workers has urged Ford to suspend sales of all Diageo products at the LCBO immediately, with the hope of influencing the company’s decision to reconsider the closure. The union emphasized the potential financial impact on Diageo and the importance of preserving local jobs and community well-being.
Both Ford and Diageo have yet to confirm specific actions regarding the future availability of Crown Royal in Ontario liquor stores, with Ford’s office stating that all options are under consideration until Diageo revisits its closure decision. The company reiterated its commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition and following legal obligations regarding collective agreements.
Amid concerns about the broader economic implications of plant closures, union representatives have emphasized the need for proactive measures to discourage similar actions in other industries. With ongoing discussions between union leaders, Ford, and company officials, the fate of Crown Royal at the LCBO remains uncertain, raising questions about the balance between corporate decisions and community welfare.
