In September, after Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for Canadians to boycott Crown Royal after beverage company Diageo announced the closure of its Amherstburg, Ont. botting plant, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urged Canadians to act otherwise.
“If you buy Crown Royal, you’re supporting Manitoba jobs,” said the premier. “Crown Royal is made in Gimli, Manitoba so that’s something that Canadians should buy and continue to have access to.”
As the dust settles, Manitoba farmers and whisky lovers alike hope that Crown Royal’s Canadian heritage—and its prairie-grown ingredients—remain front and centre in the minds of consumers.