The Ontario government’s stance on the potential removal of Crown Royal whisky from its liquor store shelves remains non-committal, despite a strong display of discontent from Premier Doug Ford. Following the announcement by Diageo, the parent company of Crown Royal, regarding the closure of its plant in Amherstburg, Ford took dramatic action by pouring out a bottle of the whisky during a news conference. His actions were aimed at highlighting the adverse impact this decision would have on the employees at the plant. Ford conveyed a message to the CEO of Diageo, expressing his frustration, stating, “You’re going to feel the pain in February when these people don’t have a paycheque.”
Calls for Ford to support his symbolic actions with concrete policy measures have increased. However, the Ministry of Finance clarified that there are no plans to pull Crown Royal from the shelves of the LCBO for at least five months. The spokesperson emphasized that while “all options are on the table,” no final decision will be made until the plant officially closes in February. This timeline implies a level of caution on the part of the government as they navigate corporate relationships and public sentiment surrounding this significant job loss.
Criticism of Ford’s methods has been voiced by Ontario Liberal MPP John Fraser, who suggested that the premier’s actions were more of a publicity stunt than a constructive solution to the problem. Fraser indicated that pouring out the whisky may imply an informal boycott and lacks the thoughtfulness required for maintaining business relationships. He urged the government to consider more disciplined and strategic approaches to retain companies in Ontario rather than resorting to confrontation, which could jeopardize future interactions with other businesses.
The decision made by Diageo to close the plant had been described as strategic and unrelated to tariffs, consistent with similar consolidations they have undertaken in other country locations, such as the United States, Italy, and Scotland. This context suggests the decision was driven by broader corporate strategies rather than specific local factors, which complicates the situation for Ford and his government as they seek to respond effectively to the community’s concerns.
In light of the closure, NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky emphasized the urgency for the government to take a more proactive approach, suggesting that pulling Crown Royal from shelves could serve as a pressure tactic to persuade Diageo to reconsider its decision. Gretzky’s plea came in tandem with Ford’s account of attempts to negotiate with Diageo, where he claimed his offers of incentives met with rejection. This underscores a growing frustration among politicians regarding the lack of effective channels for negotiation in such corporate matters, adding weight to calls for more decisive government action.
As the situation unfolds, it remains a complex interplay of corporate strategy, public sentiment, and political maneuvering. The government’s next steps will likely be scrutinized as they attempt to balance community interests, employee welfare, and the necessity of fostering positive corporate relations. The upcoming months will reveal how the government chooses to navigate this challenge, particularly in light of the impending closure and the potential economic impact on the affected workers in Amherstburg.
