Premier Doug Ford’s upcoming boycott of Crown Royal might have consequences for workers in Brampton, where 680 News Radio has found that a manufacturer is responsible for producing the glass bottles used for the whiskey. This comes as Ford seems to have offered a way out for the liquor company, which he claims would stop him from pulling Crown off LCBO store shelves.
O-I Brampton, the glass manufacturer, creates the bottles that hold Crown Royal, as well as those for other Diageo brand liquors. When approached by 680 News Radio regarding how the potential boycott could affect its employees and operations, O-I chose not to comment.
On Monday, when asked if he was concerned that taking Crown Royal off LCBO shelves would negatively impact these Brampton workers, Premier Ford replied, “No, not at all.” He has committed to removing the liquor from stores following Diageo’s decision to shut down its bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario, affecting around 200 jobs.
This week alone, Premier Ford seemed to ease his position a couple of times by providing an option for Diageo to avoid the boycott.
“I’m flexible,” Ford stated on Monday, suggesting that if Diageo could present a plan to create replacement jobs elsewhere, he would reconsider his decision.
“Show me a plan that’s going to replace those jobs, and then we’re good,” he said on Wednesday.
Diageo did not respond when 680 News Radio inquired whether they would adhere to the Premier’s request.
The company informed 680 News Radio that it employs over 100 people directly in Ontario beyond those who will be laid off in Amherstburg and contributes more than $100 million annually to Ontario companies for advertising and services.
Premiers from two other provinces have urged Ford not to proceed with removing Crown Royal from LCBO. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew requested Ford to “do a 180,” pointing out that the liquor is distilled in Gimli, Manitoba. Meanwhile, Quebec’s finance minister also expressed worries since Quebec hosts a Diageo bottling plant.
Ford has vowed to take Crown Royal off LCBO shelves when the company closes its Ontario bottling facility on February 28.
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