“The Canadian government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc’s continued operations pose a risk to Canada’s national security,” stated Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on Friday. This directive comes in response to growing concerns over the company’s alleged involvement in surveillance activities in China’s Xinjiang region targeting the local population and minority communities. Minister Joly’s statement followed a detailed review process conducted by Canada’s security and intelligence agencies. The decision effectively mandates that Hikvision cease its operations in Canada. While no specific threat to Canada’s national interests was disclosed, the government cited the broader implications of the company’s ties to surveillance activities in Xinjiang as a direct threat to Canada’s security interests.

A Growing Global Scrutiny of Hikvision

The action against Hikvision is part of an increasing international scrutiny of the company. It has already faced multiple sanctions in the United States over allegations related to its role in surveillance within China. The U.S. government, alongside human rights organizations, has raised concerns about the company’s involvement in aiding China’s extensive surveillance network, particularly in regions where human rights abuses have been documented.

In response to the Canadian government’s order, Hikvision Canada issued a statement strongly disagreeing with the decision.

Hikvision: Rejecting the Claims and Criticizing the Decision

“We believe this action lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency,” the company said, claiming that the decision was driven not by concerns over the merits of their technology but by broader geopolitical tensions and bias against Chinese companies.

Hikvision further noted that throughout the review process, they had fully cooperated with Canadian authorities, providing detailed documentation and engaging proactively. However, the company expressed frustration that the government made its decision without addressing the evidence they had submitted. “We urge the Canadian government to base its actions on facts, not prejudice, and to ensure fairness for all businesses,” the statement concluded.