Full Breakdown
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's Standoff with Diageo Over Crown Royal
1/23/2026, 6:10:09 AM
Background of the Conflict
The ongoing dispute between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Diageo, the international alcohol maker, centers around the closure of a Crown Royal bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario. This closure, announced in the fall, is set to result in the loss of approximately 160 jobs as production shifts to the United States. Diageo operates additional facilities in Gimli, Manitoba, and Valleyfield, Quebec, which will remain operational.
Premier Ford's Position
In response to the impending job losses, Premier Ford has threatened to remove Crown Royal from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) as a form of retaliation against Diageo. He has publicly stated that he is willing to reconsider this threat if Diageo can present a viable plan to replace the lost jobs with new manufacturing opportunities in Ontario. Ford described his approach as offering an “olive branch” to Diageo, emphasizing his openness to negotiation if the company can demonstrate a commitment to job creation.
Criticism and Opposition
Ford's stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including consumer advocacy groups and political figures. Critics argue that his threat to use the LCBO as leverage is an inappropriate use of a public resource. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Quebec’s finance minister have also cautioned that Ford's actions could negatively impact workers in their provinces, highlighting the broader implications of the dispute.
Diageo's Response and Future Plans
Diageo has indicated that it will maintain a significant presence in Canada, with over 500 employees across the country, including more than 100 in Ontario. However, the company has not confirmed whether it will propose a job replacement strategy to the Ford government. In December 2025, Diageo reached a closure agreement with the local union, providing enhanced benefits to departing workers, and has since listed the Amherstburg property for sale.
What's Next?
The future of the Crown Royal brand in Ontario remains uncertain as the Ford government awaits a response from Diageo regarding potential job replacement plans. Ford has expressed skepticism about the longevity of Diageo's operations in Manitoba and Quebec, suggesting that he believes further closures may be forthcoming. Should the government proceed with its threat, Ford has advised whisky consumers to consider supporting other local whisky manufacturers in Ontario.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If Diageo comes and says, I’m going to replace these 200 workers by manufacturing bottles, doing their cartons, doing other things, more advertising, so on, so forth, and they can show me on paper. Then, we’ll sit down, and I’ll be open,” — Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
- “ “Sometimes, yeah, does it get nasty when they take jobs away?” — Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
- “Diageo directly employs more than 500 people across Canada, including more than 100 in Ontario (outside of those currently working at the Amherstburg site),” — Diageo spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is uncertainty regarding whether Diageo will present a job replacement strategy to the Ontario government. Additionally, while some workers have reportedly found new employment, the overall impact of the facility closure on the local economy remains to be fully assessed.
