A Member of Parliament representing Manitoba’s Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman riding has criticized Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his stance on potentially removing Crown Royal from liquor store shelves. The MP, James Bezan, emphasized that Crown Royal is a Manitoba-made whisky and a top Canadian export spirit. Bezan suggested that Ford might be misinformed and urged him to reconsider his position with all the relevant information at hand.
Crown Royal is produced at Diageo’s Gimli plant in Manitoba. Last year, Diageo, the owner of the Crown Royal brand, announced the closure of its bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario. This decision led to Ford’s threat to discontinue selling Crown Royal in Ontario. Despite Ford’s plan to follow through on removing the product, Diageo assured that bottling for Canadian and non-U.S. markets would relocate to its plant in Valleyfield, Quebec.
In response to Ford’s statements, Bezan warned of potential retaliatory actions from Manitoba, mentioning that Ontario wine could be a target. The Manitoba government expressed support for local jobs and products, emphasizing the importance of backing Canadian industries. Local officials highlighted the significance of Crown Royal in sustaining the Manitoba economy and communities.
Critics, including a business professor, questioned Ford’s rationale, arguing that the move could harm Canadian interests. They suggested that Ford might reconsider his decision to avoid sparking interprovincial trade disputes. Overall, the situation underscores the complexities of trade relations amid economic uncertainties.