Ontario Restricting Government Use of Chinese-Made Drones

As part of the government’s plan to protect provincial data and enhance security across the province, Ontario is bringing in new restrictions on the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones by the government and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), beginning with an immediate ban on the use of Chinese drones for highly sensitive OPP operations. As part of this initiative, work is also underway to phase out broader government use of Chinese-made drones and replace them with those manufactured in Canada and other approved jurisdictions, consistent with the provincial Buy Ontario policy, while ensuring critical frontline operations continue without interruption.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors,” said Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Stephen Crawford. “Banning government use and future purchases of Chinese-made drones is another important step in our plan to protect Ontario and better leverage Canada’s world-class drone manufacturing sector.”

Under current Chinese law, companies incorporated in China may be required to disclose data, even if that data is stored outside the country. This raises security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which could possibly access or store sensitive information. To address these risks, the province is taking action to ban the future procurement of Chinese-made drones by the government and the OPP and begin phasing out those currently in use without interrupting or compromising any critical frontline service work.

If approved, this updated policy will align Ontario with the approach taken by numerous other government organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the United States Federal Communications Commission, which have all already taken steps to restrict or limit the use of Chinese-made drones.

“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 Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That’s why our government is exploring options to address potential security risks while ensuring police have access to the modern, reliable tools they need to help protect Ontario communities.”

The ministry will consult and engage with industry and public sector stakeholders in the coming weeks to identify a wide range of replacement options, including Canadian and Ontario drone manufacturers, as part of ongoing Buy Ontario initiatives.

These new measures build on the province’s previous action to enhance security across the province and are part of a broader legislative package that will be introduced in the coming days to keep streets and communities safe, strengthen enforcement of existing community safety measures and better protect victims and the vulnerable.

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