Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has issued a direct appeal to his Ontario counterpart, urging him to cancel a planned boycott of Crown Royal whisky. The call comes amid growing tensions over interprovincial trade and economic policies.
A Public Appeal for Economic Cooperation
The appeal was made public on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Premier Kinew took the symbolic step of signing barrels at the Diageo production plant in Gimli, Manitoba, where the iconic Canadian whisky is distilled. This visual gesture underscored the direct impact such a boycott would have on the local Manitoba economy and the workers at the facility.
While the specific reasons behind Ontario Premier Doug Ford's proposed boycott were not detailed in the initial announcement, Kinew's public request frames it as a matter requiring reconsideration for the sake of national economic unity.
The Stakes for Manitoba's Economy
The Crown Royal distillery in Gimli is a significant employer and a point of pride for the province. A boycott initiated by Canada's most populous province could have substantial repercussions for the brand's sales and, by extension, the Manitoba workers and communities that depend on its production.
Kinew's intervention highlights the delicate balance premiers must strike between provincial policy and the health of interprovincial trade relationships. His call to Ford emphasizes collaboration over economic barriers between regions.
Broader Context of Trade Tensions
This development occurs against a backdrop of other national trade discussions, including remarks on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The situation between Manitoba and Ontario serves as a domestic example of the trade challenges and negotiations that frequently occur between provinces, often centred on key local industries.
The outcome of this appeal remains to be seen, as Premier Ford's office has yet to issue a public response. The move by Premier Kinew places the proposed boycott firmly in the public eye, inviting scrutiny on its potential economic consequences.
Observers will be watching to see if this leads to a diplomatic resolution or further escalates into a more pronounced trade disagreement between the two provinces.
