The Canadian government has ordered the Chinese surveillance company Hikvision to cease its operations in the country, citing national security risks.

Following a national security review under the Investment Canada Act, the Government of Canada has instructed Hikvision Canada Inc. to cease all operations in Canada and shut down its Canadian subsidiary. On X, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly published a statement explaining that the government has determined Hikvision Canada Inc.’s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada’s national security.

As part of the decision, Canada is also banning the purchase of Hikvision’s products by government agencies. Additionally, existing installations are to be reviewed to ensure the technology is no longer in use. The decision means that Canada is going further than any other country – including neighbouring United States – in restricting Hikvision’s ability to do business.

Hikvision claims absence of evidence

Hikvision – which is also subject to sanctions in the US for similar security concerns, as well as for alleged involvement in the surveillance of Uyghurs and other minorities in China’s Xinjiang region – has rejected the Canadian government's decision as unjustified. In response, Hikvision Canada issued a statement on its website strongly disagreeing with the restrictions.

“We strongly disagree with this decision and view it with deep concern, as we believe it lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency. Instead of evaluating our technology on its cybersecurity merits, the decision appears to be driven by the parent company’s country of origin, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and an unjustified bias against Chinese companies.”

China’s Embassy criticises the decision

China’s embassy in Canada has also condemned the decision, stating on its website that the Canadian government’s actions “seriously undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and disrupt and harm the normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this.”