Province plans gradual phase-out while promoting Canadian drone manufacturers under Buy Ontario strategy
The Ontario government is moving to restrict the use and future purchase of Chinese-made drones across provincial operations, citing growing concerns over data security and foreign access to sensitive information.
The measures, announced Wednesday by Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, include an immediate ban on the use of Chinese-made drones for highly sensitive operations conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The province also confirmed plans to gradually phase out broader government use of Chinese-manufactured drones and replace them with equipment sourced from Canada and other approved jurisdictions. The move aligns with Ontario’s Buy Ontario procurement strategy and is expected to create new opportunities for domestic drone manufacturers.
Province Cites Data and National Security Risks
Ontario officials said the policy shift is aimed at strengthening cybersecurity protections and safeguarding provincial operations from potential foreign interference.
Stephen Crawford said the government is responding to mounting concerns surrounding international data access laws tied to Chinese companies.
“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.”
Ontario officials noted that under current Chinese law, companies incorporated in China may be required to disclose data to government authorities, even if the information is stored outside the country. The province said this raises concerns about how sensitive operational or geographic data collected through drone technology could potentially be accessed or transferred.
The government stressed that critical frontline services will continue uninterrupted during the transition period.
OPP and Public Safety Operations Affected
Drones are currently used across Ontario government operations for a wide range of functions, including law enforcement, emergency management, wildfire monitoring, environmental assessments, and infrastructure inspections involving roads and bridges.
The province said the immediate restrictions targeting highly sensitive OPP operations are intended to reduce exposure to potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities while alternative drone systems are identified.
Michael Kerzner said police services increasingly rely on drone technology but acknowledged the growing concerns tied to foreign-made systems.
“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.”
Ontario Aligns With Broader North American Restrictions
If formally approved, the updated procurement policy would bring Ontario in line with several Canadian and American government agencies that have already limited the use of Chinese-made drones.
Officials pointed to existing restrictions introduced by the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Federal Communications Commission in the United States.
The policy announcement comes amid broader geopolitical concerns surrounding foreign technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and supply chain resilience across North America.
Industry analysts have noted increasing government scrutiny toward imported technology products used in public sector operations, particularly those capable of collecting mapping, surveillance or location-based data.
Buy Ontario Strategy Expected to Benefit Domestic Industry
Ontario said consultations with industry and public-sector stakeholders will begin in the coming weeks as the province explores replacement options for existing drone fleets.
The review will include discussions with Canadian and Ontario-based drone manufacturers as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic procurement and local supply chains.
The measures also build on the province’s Buy Ontario Act, passed in December 2025, which prioritizes Ontario-made goods and services in public-sector procurement contracts, including those involving municipalities.
James Wallace said the province’s procurement strategy is focused on strengthening secure and reliable supply chains.
“Supply Ontario is focused on building stronger, more resilient supply chains Ontarians can trust. 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. This is how we deliver better value, strengthen public sector procurement, support local economies, and protect public sector operations.”
Broader Community Safety Legislation Expected
The drone restrictions form part of a wider legislative package expected to be introduced by the Ontario government in the coming days.
According to the province, the broader measures will focus on community safety, stronger enforcement mechanisms and enhanced protections for vulnerable residents.
The government has not yet provided a timeline for the complete phase-out of existing Chinese-made drones, but officials said the transition will be implemented carefully to avoid operational disruptions across essential public services.