Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is advocating for a united approach as he urges Ontario Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his planned boycott of Crown Royal whisky. This appeal draws on Ford’s prior engagement with the Team Canada spirit emphasized throughout 2025.
Kinew Appeals for Change
Ford’s boycott originated after the announcement from Diageo regarding the closure of a bottling plant in southwestern Ontario. During a summer event, Ford publicly poured Crown Royal onto the ground, declaring he would remove it from all liquor stores in Ontario.
As the boycott progresses, Kinew expressed his concerns regarding the repercussions for jobs tied to Crown Royal production, which occurs in Gimli, Manitoba. The whisky is also bottled in Quebec, suggesting a broader impact across provinces.
Video Campaign
In a recent social media effort, Kinew released a video aimed at persuading Ford to abandon the boycott. The footage, shot in Gimli, features Kinew catching the whisky that Ford wastefully spilled. He emphasizes the connection between Crown Royal, Canadian jobs, and the benefits of collaboration.
- Kinew states, “That’s Canadian whisky, supporting good-paying Canadian jobs in Gimli, Manitoba.”
- He urges, “So what do you say, Premier Ford? I think it tastes better when we work together.”
Implications of the Boycott
Politicians from Manitoba and Quebec have criticized Ford’s decision as detrimental to other provinces. The Crown Royal boycott signifies a troubling trend, potentially undermining the collaborative trade policies that Ford himself promoted.
In contrast, Saskatchewan has recently seen success in negotiating separate terms with Ontario regarding electric vehicle tariffs, exemplifying ongoing trade tensions.
As temperatures continue to plunge across Canada, the outcome of Kinew’s appeal remains to be seen. The situation highlights the delicate balance in interprovincial relations amid economic challenges.
