Manitoba Premier Champions Local Jobs and Clean Energy at Crown Royal Distillery, Urges Unity to Protect Canadian Workers

Premier Wab Kinew recently visited the Diageo Crown Royal distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, to emphasize the importance of Manitoba jobs and clean energy investment. During the tour, he met with workers and company representatives, highlighting the facility's long-standing role in the Interlake economy.

Crown Royal is made right here in Gimli and supports good Manitoba jobs, Kinew noted. He stressed that when consumers purchase Crown Royal, they are directly supporting Manitoba workers, and the government stands proudly with them.

This visit comes amid national attention on Crown Royal operations, following Diageo's announcement of the potential closure of a bottling facility in Ontario. However, the Manitoba government reassured that Crown Royal continues to be mashed, distilled, and aged in Gimli, sustaining jobs and regional economic activity.

In a call for unity, Premier Kinew posted a social media message to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, urging provincial leaders to collaborate in protecting Canadian jobs. This appeal was prompted by Diageo's closure of its Amherstburg, Ontario bottling plant and Ontario's decision to remove Crown Royal from LCBO shelves. Kinew emphasized the need to keep the whisky available in Ontario to support workers at the Gimli distillery, underscoring the broader economic impact on local communities in the Interlake region.

"Let’s stay united, as provincial leaders, and as Canadians," he said. "And while we’re at it, let’s keep Crown Royal on the shelves in Ontario, supporting Canadian workers in Gimli, Manitoba." He framed this as a call for unity "as Team Canada" while safeguarding Canadian-made products.

Clean Energy Investment Highlighted

During the tour, the premier also spotlighted a significant clean energy project in partnership with Manitoba Hydro, aimed at securing the long-term future of the Gimli facility. Diageo plans to replace existing natural gas boilers with electric systems, targeting 100% renewable electricity operation. To facilitate this transition, Manitoba Hydro will construct a new 20-kilometre transmission line from its Silver Station near Fraserwood to the manufacturing facility on Seagram Road in Gimli.

Construction on the transmission line is set to begin in January, with completion expected by 2027. The project, estimated at approximately $19 million, is fully funded by Diageo.

"This investment strengthens Manitoba’s clean energy advantage while helping secure long-term manufacturing jobs in the Interlake," says Kinew. "It’s a win for workers, a win for the community, and a win for the environment."

The province views this project as an example of how Manitoba’s hydroelectric system can support industrial growth while reducing emissions and enhancing the province’s clean energy reputation.

Workers Stress Importance of Local Jobs

Workers at the Gimli distillery are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832, which advocates for members across Manitoba in food processing, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Union representatives emphasized that maintaining production and continued investment in Manitoba is critical for workers and their families, especially in rural and regional communities where large employers are vital to local economies.

"We are proud of the work our members do making a premium product," adds Jeff Traeger, president of UFCW Local 832. "We want to make sure these jobs stay in Manitoba."

The Manitoba government stated that the clean energy upgrade will support the long-term operation of the Gimli facility while helping secure manufacturing employment in the Interlake.

Kinew’s visit reinforced the province’s broader message of supporting Manitoba-made products, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and collaborating with major employers to retain jobs in the province, thereby strengthening economic stability in rural communities.