Manitoba MP Slams Ford Over Crown Royal Threat

A member of the federal Conservative Party representing Manitoba criticized Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his stance on potentially removing Crown Royal from liquor store shelves. The MP highlighted that Crown Royal is a Manitoba-made whisky and a significant Canadian export. The Premier’s threat stems from Diageo’s decision to close its bottling plant in Ontario, leading to concerns about job shifts to the U.S. Ford reiterated his intention to remove Crown Royal from stores once the plant closes, despite Diageo’s commitment to maintaining operations in Canada. The MP warned of potential retaliation from Manitoba, possibly targeting Ontario wine sales. Local officials emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian products and jobs, with concerns raised about interprovincial trade tensions. Critics questioned the rationale behind Ford’s decision, emphasizing that Crown Royal remains a Canadian product regardless of bottling location.