Ontario has confirmed that Crown Royal will continue to be available in the province’s liquor stores following a multi-million dollar commitment from Diageo in the alcohol and agriculture sectors. However, the agreement does not address the imminent job losses faced by workers in Amherstburg, as emphasized by the town’s mayor and the worker union. Last year, Diageo announced the closure of its Amherstburg bottling plant, affecting around 200 employees by the end of February.
Premier Doug Ford highlighted that the investment will enhance provincial supply chains and provide support to the Amherstburg community. The province secured nearly $23 million through negotiations with Diageo, ensuring the availability of Crown Royal at LCBO outlets. Diageo expressed gratitude towards Premier Ford and his team for their collaborative efforts in preserving Crown Royal’s presence in the market.
While a portion of the investment will benefit Amherstburg, the majority is allocated to the alcohol and agriculture sectors across Ontario. Notably, funds will be directed to Invest WindsorEssex for economic development in Amherstburg and community projects. Diageo will also invest in purchasing grain spirits from Greenfield in Johnstown, supporting local production in eastern Ontario.
The agreement includes provisions for new packaging, Ontario-based marketing, exploring a new canning facility, and supporting organizations in the agriculture sector. The Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, emphasized Ontario’s commitment to safeguarding jobs and fostering collaboration with industries for a robust supply chain.
Mayor Michael Prue expressed disappointment with the deal, noting that the allocated funds may not directly benefit local workers as hoped. The president of Unifor Local 200, John D’Agnolo, criticized the investment as insufficient, highlighting the economic impact of job losses in Amherstburg. Efforts are underway to attract new companies to the bottling facility to preserve jobs in the community.
The closure of the Diageo plant in Amherstburg signifies a significant loss for the town, with concerns raised about the distribution of investment funds to other regions. Despite ongoing negotiations and interest from potential buyers, the future of the plant remains uncertain.