Canadian government orders Hikvision to close Canadian business and leave the country

The Canadian government has ordered Chinese CCTV company Hikvision to close its Canadian business and leave the country. Industry Minister Melanie Jolly said the government considered the information and evidence provided by the Department of Security and Intelligence and based on that, decided that allowing the company to continue to operate in Canada posed a threat to the country's national security.

Hikvision's subsidiary in Canada had been operating since 2014. It has also faced sanctions in the US, Australia and the UK. Hikvision said it strongly disagrees with the Canadian government's decision and views the move with deep concern. The company alleged that the decision lacked fairness and transparency.

Jolly said it has asked the federal government, its departments, agencies and Crown corporations not to use or purchase Hikvision equipment. "I strongly urge Canadians to pay attention to this and make their decisions accordingly," she said.