Ontario has confirmed that Crown Royal products will continue to be available in the province’s liquor stores following an agreement with Diageo, the parent company, which involves nearly $23 million in investments in the alcohol and agriculture sectors. However, this agreement does not address the imminent job losses facing workers at the Amherstburg bottling plant.
Last year, Diageo announced the closure of its Amherstburg plant in southwestern Ontario, affecting close to 200 employees by the end of February. Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the investment will enhance provincial supply chains and provide support to the local community in Amherstburg and its surroundings.
The province highlighted that Crown Royal will maintain its presence at the LCBO as a result of the agreement. Diageo expressed gratitude towards Premier Ford and his team for their leadership in securing this resolution.
While some funds will be allocated to Amherstburg, the majority will be directed to the alcohol and agriculture sectors across the province. Invest WindsorEssex will receive $500,000 for economic development in Amherstburg and an additional $500,000 for community projects benefiting the town’s residents.
Diageo is set to spend $11 million on purchasing grain spirits from Greenfield in Johnstown to support local production in eastern Ontario. The company will also invest in new packaging and allocate $5 million for marketing initiatives in Ontario. Furthermore, there are plans to explore establishing a new canning facility in Ontario, along with a pledge of $1 million towards organizations supporting the agriculture sector.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue expressed disappointment with the agreement, stating that the funding does not directly assist local workers. Unifor Local 200 President, John D’Agnolo, echoed this sentiment, calling the investment insufficient for a company that profits significantly from Ontario consumers.
The town of Amherstburg is actively seeking a new company to take over the bottling plant to preserve jobs, with reported interest from multiple potential buyers. The impact of losing a substantial number of jobs in a town like Amherstburg is described as devastating by Mayor Prue.
Overall, the agreement between Ontario and Diageo signifies a commitment to supporting the province’s economy and workforce, although concerns remain regarding the specific benefits for affected workers in Amherstburg.