Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed strong disapproval upon learning that a plant bottling Crown Royal will be closing, symbolically pouring out a bottle of the whisky during a press conference and urging others to do the same.
Diageo, the spirits manufacturer, recently announced plans to shut down its bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont., in early 2026, relocating some operations to the United States. This decision will impact approximately 200 jobs.
While Diageo cited the move as a strategic step to enhance supply chain efficiency, Premier Ford criticized the company, calling their decision “as foolish as can be.”
Despite Ford’s efforts to save the jobs by offering incentives, Diageo declined. In a dramatic gesture, the premier emptied a bottle of Crown Royal, advocating for supporting local whisky producers in Ontario instead.
Diageo has pledged to work with the affected community and collaborate with Unifor to aid unionized workers during the transition period. The company will maintain a substantial presence in Canada, with headquarters and warehouse operations in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as bottling and distillation facilities in Manitoba and Quebec.