Ontario to ban government use and purchase of Chinese-made drones
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Ontario will ban the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones by the government and provincial police amid “growing security and privacy concerns” with foreign-made technology.
The province says Chinese law may require companies incorporated in China to disclose data even if it’s stored abroad, and drones could access or store sensitive information.
Ontario says it will immediately ban Chinese-made drones from highly sensitive provincial police operations, prohibit their purchase for government use and gradually replace existing government drones with technology made in Canada or approved jurisdictions.
The government says the move aligns with other government organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP.
The province says it will consult industry stakeholders in the coming weeks to consider replacement options, including Canadian and Ontario drone manufacturers.
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford says it’s part of the province’s plan to “better leverage” Canada’s drone manufacturing sector.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors,” he said in a press release Wednesday.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner added the province is looking at ways to address potential security risks while ensuring police have access to modern tools.
“Police services across Ontario rely on drones to support critical operations and protect public safety, but we cannot ignore growing security and privacy concerns tied to foreign-made technology,” said Kerzner.
Ontario says the measure is part of an upcoming legislative package aimed at enhancing the province’s security.
A spokesperson for China-based drone maker DJI said concerns around the company’s products aren’t supported by proven evidence and called the province’s decision disappointing.
“DJI drones are life-saving tools, and no comparable products offer the same capability, reliability and cost-effectiveness,” the company said in an email late Wednesday.
“We urge the authorities to focus on the facts and carefully consider the substantial impact this decision may have on public safety agencies.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2026.
