Canada Orders Hikvision to Shut Down Operations Over National Security Concerns

The Canadian government has ordered Hikvision Canada Inc. to cease all operations and wind down its business following a national security review under the Investment Canada Act.

Authorities concluded that the continued presence of the Chinese surveillance firm in the country posed an unacceptable risk to national security.

The decision, announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, stems from a multi-agency intelligence assessment conducted in collaboration with Canada's security and intelligence community. The review determined that Hikvision's operations in Canada could compromise national interests, prompting an order from the Governor in Council to shut the firm down. The review's findings, while not disclosed publicly, were considered sufficient to trigger the rare and sweeping action under the investment oversight framework.

Hikvision, formally known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., is a major Chinese state-affiliated provider of video surveillance equipment. The company's Canadian subsidiary, established in 2014, has since grown its footprint across the country by supplying security cameras and surveillance systems to commercial and public sector clients. Its products have been marketed as affordable, high-performance solutions and are widely used in various infrastructure and commercial settings.

In addition to forcing the company's exit from Canada, the federal government has prohibited the procurement and use of Hikvision hardware by federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. A broader review of government-held Hikvision assets is also underway to ensure all existing equipment is decommissioned. These measures align Canada with other jurisdictions that have taken similar steps against Chinese surveillance tech firms.

The United States banned the import and sale of Hikvision equipment in November 2022 after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) placed the company on its “Covered List” of entities deemed a national security threat. That move followed the bipartisan Secure Equipment Act of 2021 and was part of a broader initiative to secure U.S. communications infrastructure from foreign influence.

In response to Canada's move, Hikvision issued a strongly worded statement disputing the allegations and the fairness of the review process. The company claimed that the decision was politically motivated, lacking in transparency, and based on geopolitical bias rather than the technical merits of its products. Hikvision emphasized its compliance with Canadian laws and its contribution to the local economy, stating that its operations had supported thousands of jobs and delivered security solutions for Canadian communities.

“We urge the Canadian government to base its actions on facts rather than prejudice,” the company wrote, alleging that the shutdown order ignored the documentation and cooperation it had provided throughout the review process.

While the ban applies specifically to Hikvision's Canadian operations, Canadian authorities have encouraged businesses and individuals to reassess their use of the company's products. The order does not extend to Hikvision's affiliates operating outside of Canada, but the government is urging Canadians to make independent decisions in light of the ruling.