Doug Ford's Fiery Protest: Whisky Dumped in Outrage Over Job Cuts

In a dramatic display of political theatre that quickly became a viral moment, then-Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford once stood at Queen's Park, a bottle of Crown Royal whisky in hand, only to theatrically dump its contents into a bucket. His bold statement, “This is what I think of Crown Royal,” wasn't about a taste preference, but a visceral expression of fury over job losses in Ontario.

The target of Ford's ire was Diageo, the multinational beverage giant that owns the iconic Canadian whisky brand.

The company had announced plans to close its historic Crown Royal plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, a move that would see approximately 100 jobs vanish from the local economy. The production, Diageo revealed, would be consolidated and shifted south of the border to its facility in Illinois, sparking outrage among workers, community leaders, and particularly, politicians vying for the support of working-class Ontarians.

Ford's protest, staged amidst the heat of a provincial election campaign in 2018, was a calculated and powerful visual metaphor.

It underscored his unwavering commitment to protecting Ontario jobs and stood as a stark condemnation of corporations, which he accused of prioritizing profit margins over the livelihoods of hardworking Canadians. His message was clear: Ontario would not stand idly by while jobs were outsourced and communities were left to grapple with the fallout.

Addressing a throng of media, Ford didn't mince words.

He spoke passionately about the dedication of the Amherstburg plant workers, many of whom had spent decades honing their craft, contributing to a brand synonymous with Canadian pride. The decision by Diageo, he argued, was a betrayal, and his act of pouring out the whisky was a symbolic rejection of a company that, in his view, had turned its back on Ontario.

This vivid protest resonated deeply with many voters, particularly those in manufacturing towns and communities grappling with economic uncertainty.

It cemented Ford's image as a populist leader unafraid to confront big business and fight for the common person. The incident quickly became a defining moment of his campaign, highlighting his combative style and his promise to put Ontario workers first.

While the whisky dump didn't reverse Diageo's decision, it undeniably put the issue of job security and corporate responsibility squarely on the political agenda.

It served as a powerful reminder of the emotional and economic toll of plant closures and outsourcing, cementing a moment in Canadian political history where a bottle of whisky became a potent symbol of a leader's anger and solidarity.