### Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew Calls for Ontario to Reconsider Crown Royal Boycott Amid Economic Concerns - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to reconsider a proposed boycott of Crown Royal whisky, a brand produced in Gimli, Manitoba. This appeal highlights the potential economic and cultural ramifications of such a boycott, particularly for Manitoba's economy, which benefits significantly from the production and sale of Crown Royal whisky. Kinew's call comes in response to Ford's earlier actions, which included a public demonstration of pouring out Crown Royal whisky during a press conference to protest the parent company's decisions [https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/01/09/manitoba-political-leader-asks-ford-to-reconsider-lcbo-crown-royal-ban]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Boycott**: Overview of the situation leading to the boycott. 2. **Kinew's Appeal**: Details of Kinew's public request to Ford. 3. **Economic Implications**: Analysis of the potential economic impact on Manitoba. 4. **Cultural Significance**: Discussion of the cultural importance of Crown Royal whisky to Manitoba. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Economic Impact**: The Diageo plant in Gimli is a significant employer in the region, contributing to local jobs and the economy. A boycott could lead to job losses and reduced economic activity in Manitoba. - **Cultural Importance**: Crown Royal is not just a product; it represents a part of Manitoba's identity and heritage, making its removal from Ontario shelves a culturally sensitive issue. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Kinew's Urgent Request**: Premier Wab Kinew has formally asked Ontario's Doug Ford to reconsider the boycott of Crown Royal whisky, emphasizing the economic and cultural stakes involved [https://weeklyvoice.com/manitoba-premier-wab-kinew-urges-ontario-to-reconsider-crown-royal-boycott-economic-and-cultural-implications]. 2. **Economic Ramifications**: The potential boycott could adversely affect Manitoba's economy, particularly in terms of employment and local business revenues [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/manitoba-premier-asks-ontario-drop-032752299.html]. 3. **Cultural Significance**: Crown Royal whisky is a symbol of Manitoba's cultural heritage, and its removal from Ontario's shelves could be seen as an affront to the province's identity [https://torontosun.com/news/national/crown-royal-boycott]. 4. **Call for Dialogue**: Kinew's appeal is a call for dialogue and reconsideration, aiming to preserve both economic interests and cultural ties between Manitoba and Ontario [https://beritaja.com/manitoba-premier-kinew-asks-ontario-counterpart-ford-to-rethink-crown-royal-boycott-beritaja-400392.html].