Kinew Urges Ford to Halt Crown Royal Boycott, Calls for Team Canada Unity

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has called on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his decision to boycott Crown Royal. This appeal comes amid Ford’s plans to void the Canadian whisky from provincial liquor stores, following news that Diageo would close a bottling facility in southwestern Ontario.

Kinew Appeals for Team Canada Unity

Wab Kinew emphasizes the importance of Team Canada collaboration, a theme Ford has championed over the past year. The boycott not only affects the whisky’s prominence in Ontario but also impacts jobs in Manitoba and Quebec, where Crown Royal is produced and bottled.

Ford’s Controversial Decision

The controversy stems from an event last summer, where Ford publicly emptied a bottle of Crown Royal in protest. He stated he would indefinitely remove the brand from Ontario’s liquor stores if Diageo proceeded with its closure plans. Critics, including politicians from Manitoba and Quebec, argue that this decision is misguided and could harm workers across the provinces.

Kinew’s Response

To gain traction, Kinew released a compelling social media video aimed at persuading Ford to abandon the boycott. The video creatively shows him in Gimli, Manitoba, trying to save the whisky that Ford wasted. In the video, Kinew states, “That’s Canadian whisky, supporting good-paying Canadian jobs in Gimli, Manitoba. So what do you say, Premier Ford? I think it tastes better when we work together.”

Impact of the Boycott

The fallout from Ford’s boycott could significantly influence job markets beyond Ontario. Crown Royal is synonymous with employment in Manitoba, where the whisky is distilled, and in Quebec, where it is bottled. Municipal leaders warn that Ford’s actions might undermine the economic landscape in these regions.

Team Canada at a Crossroads

The notion of unity within Canada’s provinces has been a cornerstone of Ford’s leadership approach, promoting reduced internal trade barriers. However, emerging discord, evidenced by the reactions from Manitoba and Quebec, calls into question the solidarity Ford has preached.

• Key Locations:
  • Crown Royal Production: Gimli, Manitoba
  • Bottling Facility: Quebec
• Key Figures:
  • Doug Ford – Ontario Premier
  • Wab Kinew – Manitoba Premier

As discussions continue, stakeholders across Canada will be watching closely to see if Team Canada’s spirit can prevail in this brewing controversy.