New security rules ground Chinese-made drones in Ontario

The provincial government of Ontario has initiated a strategic pivot in its procurement and operational policies, introducing stringent new restrictions on the purchase and use of Chinese-made drones. This directive, which applies to both the broader government and the Ontario provincial police (OPP), begins with an immediate and comprehensive ban on the use of these foreign-manufactured devices for highly sensitive law enforcement operations. Over time, this initiative will result in the complete phasing out of Chinese-made drones across all provincial departments. The government intends to replace them with drones manufactured in Canada or within other approved jurisdictions, ensuring that critical frontline services remain uninterrupted during the transition.

At the core of this policy shift is a pressing concern for data protection and provincial security. Under current Chinese legislation, companies incorporated within China can be legally compelled to disclose their data to the state, regardless of whether that data is stored domestically or on foreign servers. This legal framework presents a significant security vulnerability, raising the possibility that Chinese-made drones deployed in Ontario could be used to access, store, or transmit sensitive provincial information.

Stephen Crawford, the minister of public and business service delivery and procurement, outlined the rationale behind the decision. ‘Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors,’ he said. Banning the future procurement of these devices is presented as a necessary step to secure the province and its assets.

The OPP and other provincial agencies currently rely on drone technology for a wide array of essential public services. These devices are utilised for law enforcement, emergency management, environmental monitoring, wildfire monitoring, and the inspection of roads and bridges. Michael Kerzner, the solicitor general, acknowledged the operational importance of these tools but stressed that the government cannot ignore the growing privacy and security risks associated with foreign-made technology. ‘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,’ he said.

Ontario is not acting in isolation; rather, the province is aligning its security protocols with the approaches already adopted by several prominent North American organisations. The Canadian armed forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted police and the US federal communications commission have all previously implemented measures to limit or restrict the use of drones manufactured in China.

Furthermore, this security initiative operates in tandem with the province’s economic strategies, specifically the Buy Ontario Act, which was passed in December 2025 to prioritise local goods and services in public sector procurement, including municipalities. By removing Chinese competitors from the provincial supply chain, the government aims to better leverage Canada’s own world-class drone manufacturing sector. In the coming weeks, the ministry will engage with public sector stakeholders and industry leaders to identify a range of replacement options from Ontario and Canadian manufacturers.

James Wallace, the chief executive officer of Supply Ontario, framed the transition as a means of building a more resilient supply chain. ‘By taking a deliberate approach to what we buy and who we buy from, we are supporting reliable and secure sources of supply while creating more opportunities to work with trusted partners closer to home,’ he said. He noted that this deliberate approach delivers better value, strengthens public procurement, supports local economies, and protects public sector operations.

Finally, these procurement restrictions are part of a broader legislative package expected in the coming days, which is designed to strengthen community safety, improve the enforcement of existing measures, and offer better protection for vulnerable citizens and victims.