Conservative MP James Bezan from Manitoba expressed concerns that Ontario Premier Doug Ford lacked complete information before threatening to remove Crown Royal from shelves. Bezan, representing the Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman riding, where the whisky is produced, took to social media to highlight that Crown Royal is a proudly Manitoba-made spirit and Canada’s top export in its category.
Crown Royal is distilled at Diageo’s facility in Gimli, Manitoba, but the company announced the closure of its bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario. This announcement prompted Ford to reiterate his intention to remove Crown Royal from Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) listings once the Ontario plant shuts down in February.
Bezan suggested that if Ford proceeds with the removal, Manitoba might consider retaliating, possibly targeting Ontario wine sales in Manitoba. Responding to the situation, Manitoba’s Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian products and jobs, especially during these challenging times.
The Rural Municipality of Gimli reiterated its support for Crown Royal, emphasizing the positive impact the distillery has on the local economy. Derek Johnson, the MLA for Manitoba’s Interlake-Gimli riding, highlighted the significance of Crown Royal in providing livelihoods for the rural community and urged against interprovincial conflicts.
Professor Barry Prentice from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business criticized Ford’s stance, suggesting it could lead to unnecessary trade tensions between provinces. Prentice emphasized that Crown Royal remains a Canadian product regardless of bottling location changes.
The debate surrounding Crown Royal’s future continues as stakeholders weigh the potential implications of Ford’s threats on interprovincial trade relations.
