Quebec Finance Minister Criticizes Ontario’s Ban on Crown Royal Whisky

Casey Halston

ago 2 hours

Quebec’s finance minister, Eric Girard, has expressed his concerns regarding Ontario’s plan to ban Crown Royal whisky from government liquor stores. This decision comes amid a climate of economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions in Canada.

Ontario’s Ban on Crown Royal Whisky

Premier Doug Ford announced the intent to remove Crown Royal as a direct response to the closure of Diageo’s bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario. This closure will impact approximately 200 jobs in the region.

Job Concerns and Economic Impact

Ford has raised alarms that these jobs may migrate to the United States, especially with Diageo’s recent announcement about building a new plant in Alabama. However, the company assures that Crown Royal meant for Canada and non-U.S. export markets will still be bottled at its facility in Valleyfield, Quebec.

Ontario’s ban on Crown Royal is scheduled to begin next month.
Closure of the Diageo plant affects about 200 jobs.
New manufacturing plant announced in Alabama to bolster employment.
Approximately 76 jobs will remain at Diageo’s Gimli plant in Manitoba.

Reaction from Quebec and Other Provincial Leaders

In a media statement, Girard emphasized the potential negative repercussions of Ontario’s boycott on Quebec’s operations. He stated that with ongoing trade tensions, the timing for such a ban is detrimental to Canadian supply chains.

Girard communicated directly with Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy regarding his concerns, advocating for the protection of jobs across Canada, including those associated with the Valleyfield facility.

Call for Unity Among Provinces

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also urged Ford to reconsider the ban, emphasizing the importance of provincial solidarity in the face of external pressures, particularly from the United States. Kinew stated, “We’ve got to stick together as provincial leaders.”

As the debate continues, both Quebec and Manitoba have shown support for maintaining Crown Royal on their shelves, highlighting the interconnected nature of Canada’s economy.

Conclusion

With the situation evolving, the implications of Ontario’s proposed ban on Crown Royal whisky extend beyond mere economics, touching on employment, provincial unity, and the strength of Canadian supply chains.