**Diageo’s Closure of Ontario Bottling Plant Sparks Outrage from Premier Ford**
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed strong disapproval of Diageo Plc’s decision to cease bottling operations for Crown Royal whisky in Ontario, a product that has its roots in Canada. During a press conference in Kitchener, Ontario, Ford publicly criticized the beverage company’s move, which is set to close its Amherstburg facility by February, impacting nearly 200 jobs in the town of 23,500 residents.
In a symbolic gesture, Ford poured out a bottle of Crown Royal, urging Ontarians to support local alcohol producers. “A message to the CEO in France: You hurt my people, I’m going to hurt you. You’re going to feel the pain in February when these people don’t have a paycheck,” he stated, emphasizing the economic repercussions of the closure. He also mentioned that he would send the cleaning bill for the spilled whisky to Diageo.
Diageo announced the closure on August 28, citing a strategy to relocate operations closer to U.S. customers. Despite the shift, the company reassured that Crown Royal will continue to be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada, maintaining its Canadian headquarters in Toronto and facilities in Manitoba and Quebec.
Ford has been a vocal advocate for Canadian interests amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Earlier this year, he and other provincial leaders removed U.S. alcohol from government-run stores in retaliation against U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. Ford revealed that he had reached out to Diageo’s North American operations, offering incentives to reconsider the closure, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
The closure of the bottling facility, which serves as the largest employer in Amherstburg, has raised concerns among local workers and their union representatives. While Crown Royal sold in Canada and outside the U.S. will still be bottled in Quebec, the loss of jobs in Ontario has sparked significant backlash.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Diageo’s decision will likely resonate throughout the community and beyond, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by local industries in a global market.
**FAQ**
**What impact will Diageo’s closure of the Ontario bottling plant have?**
The closure is expected to affect nearly 200 jobs in Amherstburg, Ontario, which is the town’s largest employer, raising concerns about the local economy and workforce.
