Ontario has confirmed that Crown Royal will continue to be available in the province’s liquor stores, following an agreement with Diageo, the parent company, involving nearly $23 million in investments in the alcohol and agriculture sectors. However, local officials expressed disappointment as the deal does not address the impending job losses in the town.
Last year, Diageo announced the closure of its Amherstburg bottling plant in southwestern Ontario, impacting close to 200 workers by the end of February. Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the financial support will enhance provincial supply chains and assist the community in Amherstburg and its surroundings.
As part of the agreement, Crown Royal will remain on the shelves at the LCBO. Diageo’s spokesperson expressed gratitude towards Premier Ford and his team for their leadership in resolving the issue.
While a portion of the investment will benefit Amherstburg, the majority of the funds will be allocated to the alcohol and agriculture sectors across the province. In Amherstburg, $500,000 will support economic development through Invest WindsorEssex, with an additional $500,000 designated for community projects.
Diageo will also allocate $11 million for the purchase of grain spirits from Greenfield in Johnstown, supporting local production in eastern Ontario. Further investments will be made in new packaging and Ontario-based marketing. The agreement includes plans to explore a new canning facility in Ontario and allocate $1 million to organizations supporting the agriculture sector.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue expressed disappointment, stating that the funds are unlikely to directly benefit local workers. The president of Unifor Local 200, John D’Agnolo, criticized the agreement, considering it inadequate given the company’s substantial earnings in Ontario.
Efforts are underway in Amherstburg to secure a new company for the bottling facility to preserve jobs. Despite interest from potential buyers, the impact of losing numerous jobs in a town like Amherstburg is described as “devastating” by local officials.
The town continues to advocate for more significant support to address the economic challenges resulting from the plant closure.
