Fact Check: Hikvision's presence deemed detrimental to Canada's security by Minister Melanie Joly

Fact Check: "Hikvision's presence deemed detrimental to Canada's security by Minister Melanie Joly"

What We Know

On June 28, 2025, Canada's Industry Minister, Melanie Joly, announced that the Canadian government had ordered the Chinese video surveillance company Hikvision to cease all operations in Canada. This decision was made due to national security concerns, with Joly stating that "Hikvision Canada Inc's continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada's national security" (Reuters, News18). The determination followed a comprehensive review conducted under the Investment Canada Act, which involved assessments from Canada's security and intelligence community (Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance Canada).

In addition to halting operations, the Canadian government also prohibited the purchase or use of Hikvision products in government departments and agencies (News18, Economic Times). This decision aligns with previous actions taken by other countries, particularly the United States, which has imposed sanctions on Hikvision due to its alleged involvement in human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region (News18).

Analysis

The claim that Minister Melanie Joly deemed Hikvision's presence detrimental to Canada's security is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Joly's statements, reported by various news outlets, consistently emphasize the government's conclusion that Hikvision's operations pose a threat to national security (Reuters, Economic Times). The multi-step review process mentioned by Joly adds credibility to the government's decision, indicating that it was based on thorough analysis rather than arbitrary judgment.

The sources reporting on this decision, including Reuters and Bloomberg, are well-established and known for their journalistic integrity, which enhances the reliability of the information presented. Furthermore, the context of Hikvision's controversial history, particularly regarding its operations in Xinjiang, provides additional justification for the Canadian government's stance (News18, Economic Times).

However, it is essential to note that while the sources are reliable, they may carry some inherent bias due to the geopolitical tensions surrounding China and its technology companies. Nonetheless, the consensus across multiple reputable outlets supports the claim that Hikvision's presence in Canada has been officially deemed detrimental to national security.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Minister Melanie Joly stated Hikvision's presence is detrimental to Canada's security is accurate. The Canadian government's decision to order Hikvision to cease operations is grounded in national security concerns, as articulated by Joly and corroborated by multiple credible news sources. The thorough review process and the government's proactive measures against Hikvision further substantiate this conclusion.

Fact Check: Hikvision's presence deemed detrimental to Canada's security by Minister Melanie Joly