Ontario Crown Royal whisky ban could affect Quebec operations

Quebec's finance minister warned Ontario that removing Crown Royal from government liquor stores could affect operations in Valleyfield and further disrupt Canadian supply chains; Ontario says it will launch the boycott next month after Diageo announced the Amherstburg plant closure.

Quebec's finance minister has raised concerns with his Ontario counterpart after Ontario announced plans to remove Crown Royal whisky from government-owned liquor stores. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the move is a response to Diageo's decision to close its Amherstburg, Ontario bottling plant. Diageo has said Crown Royal destined for Canada and non-U.S. export markets will be bottled at its Valleyfield, Quebec facility. Quebec officials have cautioned that the timing could risk further disruption to Canadian supply chains and to workers in Quebec. Key points: - Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard says he shared concerns with Ontario about the planned Crown Royal removal. - Ontario has announced a Crown Royal boycott that it intends to launch next month in response to the Amherstburg plant closure. - Diageo said product for Canada and non-U.S. export markets will be bottled at its Valleyfield, Quebec plant. - A spokeswoman for Quebec's liquor board, the Société des alcools du Québec, said it will not remove Crown Royal from its shelves. - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also asked Ontario to reconsider, and Ontario says its priority is protecting Ontario workers. Summary: Quebec officials say Ontario's intended boycott could affect operations in Valleyfield and add strain to Canadian supply chains. Ontario has said the boycott would begin next month. Undetermined at this time.