Title: Ford Threatens to Remove Crown Royal from LCBO if Diageo Closes Plant

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that he will remove Crown Royal from the shelves of the province's liquor stores if Diageo, the company that produces the popular Canadian whisky, proceeds with plans to close its nearly 100-year-old bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario. During a union rally in Brampton, Ford expressed his commitment to fight for the approximately 200 employees who will be affected by the closure. "A message to all the bigwigs at Diageo: I swear to God, those bottles of Crown Royal are coming off the LCBO shelves," he declared to a supportive audience.

Ford's remarks mark a significant escalation in his response to Diageo's announcement made in late August. He emphasized the need for solidarity among workers and vowed to ensure that the liquor control board, known as LCBO, stops selling Diageo's products once the plant closes.

In a previous press conference, Ford demonstrated his discontent by pouring out a bottle of Crown Royal, labeling Diageo's decision as "dumb as a bag of hammers." He stated, "You hurt my people, I'm gonna hurt you," warning that the company would feel the financial impact when employees lose their paychecks in February.

Diageo has stated that the closure is part of a strategy to enhance the efficiency of its supply chain and to move some bottling operations closer to its U.S. consumers. The company reassured that Crown Royal will continue to be produced in Canada, maintaining its long-standing tradition since 1939.

John D'Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200, the union representing the plant's workers, has called for immediate action from Ford to halt sales of all Diageo products at the LCBO. He believes that a swift financial impact could prompt Diageo to reconsider its decision. "I think it's important that the impact happens quickly and very costly," D'Agnolo said.

Ford's office has not clarified whether he will take action against all Diageo products or if he will do so before the plant's closure. A spokesperson for the premier indicated that all options remain on the table unless Diageo reverses its decision.

D'Agnolo expressed concern about the emotional toll on workers, stating, "What I do see in the plant is unbelievable anxiety." He noted that the community has strong ties to Diageo, which is the largest employer in Amherstburg.

As the situation develops, Ford is expected to meet with union leaders to discuss the impact of the plant closure and the broader implications for the local economy. The outcome of these discussions may influence future actions regarding Diageo's products in Ontario's liquor stores.

The potential removal of Crown Royal and other Diageo brands, including Smirnoff, remains a topic of heated debate as the premier seeks to leverage the purchasing power of the LCBO, the largest alcohol purchaser in the world. Ford has made it clear that he intends to use this leverage to send a strong message to Diageo and other companies considering similar moves.