Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles has launched a sharp critique against Premier Doug Ford's administration, labeling its recent agreement with liquor giant Diageo as a "failed stunt" that neglected to secure job protections for workers at the now-idle Crown Royal bottling plant in Amherstburg. The plant has remained closed for nearly two months after Diageo shuttered it, leaving approximately 160 employees without work.
Missed Leverage in Diageo Negotiations
Stiles contends that the Ford government failed to utilize its bargaining power effectively during negotiations with Diageo. The province's deal, which ensured Crown Royal products would continue to be sold on LCBO shelves in exchange for nearly $23 million in economic investments across Ontario, did not include specific conditions linking the future of the Amherstburg site to local employment opportunities. "It still leaves the Diageo workers without jobs, the plant empty, and from what we can see, no pressure at all on the company to sell to anyone or to reopen," Stiles stated after meeting with about 15 displaced workers during a visit to Windsor.
Details of the Provincial Agreement
The agreement was reached earlier this year following a public display by Premier Ford, who had vowed to remove Crown Royal from LCBO stores after Diageo's decision to close the Amherstburg facility. During a press conference, Ford dramatically poured out the product to emphasize his stance. Under the finalized deal, Diageo committed to economic investments, including about $1 million allocated to the Windsor-Essex region. This funding comprises $500,000 directed to Invest WindsorEssex and another $500,000 set aside for community projects in Amherstburg, to be determined through local consultation.
Worker Concerns and Government Response
Stiles emphasized that workers are seeking assurances that if the facility is sold or production resumes, former employees would be given priority for jobs. "We have no new information about any kind of future investment," she said. "We also don't have a commitment from the government that, should another company buy that plant, those workers should get back their jobs." In response, MPP Anthony Leardi (PC — Essex) noted that the site remains a viable industrial property, describing it as "fully serviced" and "eminently ready to go" for potential new operators. However, when questioned about whether the agreement included provisions for future hiring at the site, Leardi did not provide a direct answer.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The closure of the Amherstburg plant, announced last year, resulted in job losses as Diageo shifted some bottling operations to Quebec and the United States. The property was listed for sale in December, adding to the uncertainty for former workers. Stiles' criticism highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over economic policies and job security in Ontario, with the NDP arguing that the government should have leveraged the Diageo deal to enforce stronger employment safeguards. As the community awaits further developments, the fate of the Amherstburg site and its workers remains a focal point in discussions about provincial economic strategy and corporate accountability.
