The Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance technology company Hikvision to cease all operations within the country, citing national security concerns. The decision was announced on Friday by Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Melanie Joly.
Following a comprehensive national security review under the Investment Canada Act, Joly stated that Hikvision Canada Inc.’s continued presence in the country poses a threat to national security.
“In light of this review, the Government of Canada has ordered Hikvision Canada Inc. to cease all operations in Canada and close its Canadian business,” Joly said in an official statement. “This determination is based on a multi-step assessment, relying on evidence provided by Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.”
The decision applies solely to Hikvision’s operations in Canada and does not affect the company’s affiliates outside the country. Joly also urged Canadian citizens and businesses to take the government’s findings into account when making their own decisions about using surveillance products.
In addition to the shutdown order, the Canadian government has banned the procurement and use of Hikvision equipment across all federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations. A separate review is underway to identify and remove any legacy Hikvision systems currently in use.
“Canada welcomes foreign investment,” Joly emphasized, “but we will never compromise on the safety and security of Canadians.”
The move aligns with actions taken by several other Western nations that have raised concerns about Chinese technology companies and their potential ties to the Chinese government.
