Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed strong opposition to Diageo’s plan to close a nearly 100-year old bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont. Ford stated that if the closure proceeds, he will remove Crown Royal from the shelves of the province’s liquor stores. Addressing a union rally, Ford emphasized his commitment to fighting for the approximately 200 employees facing job losses at the southwestern Ontario facility.
During a passionate speech in Brampton, Ont., Ford conveyed a clear message to Diageo executives, vowing to take action against their decision. He declared, “I swear to God, those bottles of Crown Royal are coming off the LCBO shelves,” emphasizing the need for unity in challenging such corporate actions.
Ford’s recent statements marked a firm stance on potentially instructing the LCBO, a major alcohol purchaser globally, to cease selling Crown Royal following Diageo’s announcement in late August. In early September, Ford made a symbolic gesture by dumping a bottle of Crown Royal during a televised press conference, criticizing Diageo for its decision and highlighting the impact on workers who would face financial hardship.
Diageo, a renowned producer of various alcohol brands, justified the plant closure as part of efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience. Despite the facility’s proximity to the U.S. border, the company aims to shift bottling operations closer to American consumers while maintaining other production processes in Canada.
The union representing plant workers has urged Ford to halt sales of all Diageo products at the LCBO immediately, anticipating significant financial repercussions for the company. Ford’s office has indicated that all options are being considered unless Diageo reverses its decision. The company, in response to inquiries, reiterated its commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition and promised to engage with the community for assistance.
Amid concerns about the closure’s impact on the local economy, discussions between Ford and union leaders are expected to continue, emphasizing the need to address challenges faced by workers and communities affected by corporate decisions. The situation underscores broader issues of corporate responsibility and the importance of supporting workers in times of economic uncertainty.