Ford Threatens Crown Royal Removal; MP Calls Move Misinformed

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reiterated his threat to pull Crown Royal whisky from LCBO shelves once Diageo’s Amherstburg, Ontario bottling plant closes in February 2026. The move follows the plant’s November 2025 closure agreement with 160 workers and its listing for sale in late December. Manitoba Conservative MP James Bezan, representing Selkirk‑Interlake‑Eastman north of Winnipeg, said Ford was “misinformed” and reminded him that Crown Royal is “proudly made‑in‑Manitoba” and Canada’s number‑one export spirit. Bezan warned that Manitoba could retaliate, targeting Ontario wine sales that average $2.6‑$3.2 million annually. Diageo plans to shift bottling to its Valley Field, Quebec plant, while maintaining a Canadian footprint.