The Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance camera manufacturer Hikvision 002415.SZ to cease operations in Canada over national security concerns, Industry Minister Melanie Joly said late on Friday.
Hikvision, also known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co, has faced numerous sanctions and restrictions by the United States.
“The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc’s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada’s national security,” Joly said on X, adding that the decision was taken after a multi-step review of information provided by Canada’s security and intelligence community.
“We strongly disagree with this decision and view it with deep concern, as we believe it lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency,” a Hikvision spokesperson told Reuters.
“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.”
The spokesperson said the company “urges the Canadian government to base its actions on facts rather than prejudice, and to uphold a fair, transparent environment for all businesses and investors.”
China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
