Ontario Moving to Restrict Government Use of Chinese-Made Drones

TORONTO — Ontario says it is moving to restrict the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones across government operations and by the Ontario Provincial Police, citing concerns over data security, privacy and the protection of sensitive provincial information. The move could have direct implications for policing, emergency response, wildfire monitoring and infrastructure inspections in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario.

Immediate Restrictions For Sensitive OPP Operations

The province says the first step is an immediate ban on the use of Chinese-made drones for highly sensitive OPP operations. Broader work is also underway to phase out Chinese-made drones currently used by the government and replace them with drones made in Canada or other approved jurisdictions.

The government says the change will be done in a way that does not interrupt critical frontline services, including public safety, emergency management and other field operations.

Stephen Crawford, minister of public and business service delivery and procurement, said the province must protect government data and security while making better use of Canadian drone manufacturers.

Security Concerns Linked To Data Access

Ontario says its concern is that companies incorporated in China may be required under Chinese law to disclose data, including information stored outside the country. The province says that raises potential security concerns where drones may access, transmit or store sensitive information.

The province says the updated policy, if approved, would ban future government and OPP purchases of Chinese-made drones and start a broader phase-out of equipment already in use.

Police, Fire And Emergency Uses Could Be Affected

Drones are used by the province for law enforcement, emergency management, wildfire monitoring, road and bridge inspections and environmental monitoring.

For Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, those uses are not abstract. Drone technology can support search and rescue, collision investigations, tactical police operations, wildfire assessment, flood monitoring, remote infrastructure inspections and emergency response along highways, rail corridors and isolated areas.

The key question for northern communities will be whether replacement equipment can meet the same operational needs in difficult weather, remote terrain and long-distance deployments.

OPP Still Needs Reliable Technology, Solicitor General Says

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said police services rely on drones for critical operations and public safety, but the province cannot ignore privacy and security concerns tied to foreign-made technology.

The province says it is exploring replacement options to ensure police continue to have access to modern tools while reducing potential security risks.

Buy Ontario Policy And Canadian Drone Manufacturing

The province says the drone restrictions will align with its Buy Ontario policy, which is intended to prioritize Ontario goods and services in public procurement. Ontario says the Buy Ontario Act, passed in December 2025, applies to public sector organizations, including municipalities.

The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement says it will consult industry and public sector stakeholders in the coming weeks to identify replacement options, including Canadian and Ontario drone manufacturers.

Supply Ontario CEO James Wallace said the approach is aimed at building stronger supply chains, supporting secure procurement and creating more opportunities to work with trusted partners closer to home.

Why This Matters In Northwestern Ontario

In Northwestern Ontario, drones have practical value because of distance, terrain and limited access to some communities and infrastructure. Replacing existing fleets could affect how quickly agencies can inspect bridges, monitor wildfire activity, support OPP operations or assess emergency scenes.

For Thunder Bay, the issue also connects to cross-border security and supply chains. The city is a transportation hub for highways, rail, marine shipping and aviation serving Northern Ontario and western Canada. Secure drone systems may become increasingly important for infrastructure protection, emergency planning and industrial monitoring.

The policy may also create opportunities for Canadian drone firms, including companies able to build equipment for northern conditions, cold-weather use, forestry operations, mining sites and remote public safety missions.

More Public Safety Legislation Expected

Ontario says the drone measures are part of a broader legislative package expected in the coming days, aimed at community safety, enforcement and protection for victims and vulnerable people.

The province has not yet released full details of the broader package. For now, the drone policy marks a clear move by Ontario to link procurement, cybersecurity and public safety as government agencies rely more heavily on remotely operated technology.