Ontario Moving to Ban Chinese-Made Drones in Government and OPP Operations
Ontario’s Chinese made drones ban aims to strengthen data security and support domestic technology
TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to restrict the use and future purchase of Chinese-made drones across provincial operations and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), citing growing concerns over data security and foreign access to sensitive information.
The province says the measures are part of its broader strategy to strengthen cybersecurity, protect provincial data and support trusted domestic suppliers through Ontario’s Buy Ontario policy.
“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.”
Immediate restrictions for sensitive police operations
The changes begin with an immediate ban on the use of Chinese-made drones for highly sensitive OPP operations. Ontario also plans to phase out broader government use of the technology over time, replacing current fleets with drones manufactured in Canada or other approved jurisdictions.
Officials emphasized that the transition will be implemented in a way that avoids disruptions to critical frontline services.
The OPP currently uses drones for a variety of public safety functions, including:
- Emergency response
- Traffic and highway operations
- Search and rescue
- Law enforcement support
Provincial ministries also use drone technology for wildfire monitoring, infrastructure inspections and environmental assessments.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors.
Banning government use and future purchases of Chinese-made drones is another important step in our plan to protect Ontario and better leverage… pic.twitter.com/1lqbAlLdBh
— Stephen Crawford (@stcrawford2) May 20, 2026
Security concerns tied to foreign data laws
According to the province, concerns stem from Chinese national security laws that may require companies based in China to provide access to data, even if the information is stored outside the country.
Ontario says these risks have prompted similar actions by other organizations, including:
- The Canadian Armed Forces
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the province must balance public safety needs with security concerns linked to foreign-made technology.
“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,” Kerzner said.
Supporting Canadian and Ontario manufacturers
As part of the transition, the province will consult with industry and public sector stakeholders to identify replacement options, including drone manufacturers based in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada.
The initiative aligns with the province’s Buy Ontario Act, passed in December 2025, which prioritizes Ontario-made goods and services in public procurement.
Supply Ontario CEO James Wallace said the move reflects a broader effort to strengthen trusted supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign technology providers.
Part of broader public safety strategy
The proposed restrictions are expected to form part of a larger legislative package focused on public safety, enforcement and data protection measures.
Ontario officials say the policy is intended to ensure government agencies and police services continue to have access to secure, modern technology while reducing potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
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