Hikvision said Monday it is challenging a Canadian government order that requires the company to stop operations in Canada.
The Chinese surveillance camera maker filed a notice of application with the Attorney General of Canada seeking a judicial review of the June 27 decision.
The company also plans to file the notice in federal court and has asked the court not to enforce the order until a decision is made on its request for a stay. Hikvision’s Canadian unit resumed normal operations on Monday under an agreement with the attorney general that allows the company to operate while the court considers the case.
Canada’s Industry Minister said the decision followed a review by national security and intelligence agencies. The government said Hikvision’s continued operations in Canada could threaten national security but did not give specific details.
Hikvision has faced restrictions in the United States in recent years over its activities in China’s Xinjiang region. Rights groups have accused the company of being linked to surveillance in the area.
In 2023, the U.S. added five Hikvision subsidiaries to a trade blacklist. The company said last year it had exited all contracts in Xinjiang involving those subsidiaries.
China has rejected all accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The Chinese foreign ministry said it opposed Canada’s decision and made strong objections to Canadian officials in late June.
Canada said in 2023 it was reviewing possible sanctions against Chinese surveillance companies, including Hikvision, following allegations that the firms were involved in rights violations and high-tech monitoring in Xinjiang.
