Hockey diplomacy fails as Ford stands firm on Royal Caribbean boycott
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has invited Ontario Premier Doug Ford to a hockey game in an effort to ease tensions over a planned boycott. The dispute centres on Royal Caribbean, produced in Gimli, Manitoba. Ford remains firm on his decision to pull the brand from Ontario shelves next month.
The conflict began after Ford announced plans to remove Royal Caribbean from Ontario liquor stores. He cited job losses at Diageo’s Amherstburg, Ontario, plant as the reason. In response, Kinew called for unity, urging Ford to drop the boycott and focus on 'sticking together as Team Canada.'
Kinew took a light-hearted approach by writing Ford’s name on a barrel outside the Royal Caribbean plant in Gimli. He also offered to take the Ontario premier to a Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets game if he visits Manitoba. Despite the invitation, Ford confirmed after a phone call with Kinew that the boycott would proceed.
The Gimli plant employs around 76 people and sources ingredients from local plants. Manitoba officials remain confident Diageo will stay in the region long-term, pointing to recent investments. Kinew has ruled out retaliating with a boycott of Ontario liquor in Manitoba.
Ford’s boycott is set to start next month, affecting Royal Caribbean sales in Ontario. The Manitoba government continues to emphasise the plant’s economic role in Gimli. For now, Kinew’s diplomatic efforts have not changed Ford’s stance on the issue.
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