Ontario government: 1)Ontario to ban government use and purchase of Chinese-made drones; 2)Ontario bars, restaurants will be able to sell alcohol until 4 a.m. during World Cup
1)Ontario to ban government use and purchase of Chinese-made drones
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Canadian Press Staff, May 20, 2026.
Ontario will ban the use and purchase of Chinese-made drones by the government and provincial police amid “growing security and privacy concerns” with foreign-made technology.
The province says Chinese law may require companies incorporated in China to disclose data even if it’s stored abroad, and drones could access or store sensitive information.
Ontario says it will immediately ban Chinese-made drones from highly sensitive provincial police operations, prohibit their purchase for government use and gradually replace existing government drones with technology made in Canada or approved jurisdictions.
The government says the move aligns with other government organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP.
The province says it will consult industry stakeholders in the coming weeks to consider replacement options, including Canadian and Ontario drone manufacturers.
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford says it’s part of the province’s plan to “better leverage” Canada’s drone manufacturing sector.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we are protecting our province’s data and safeguarding our security against bad actors,” he said in a press release Wednesday.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner added the province is looking at ways to address potential security risks while ensuring police have access to modern tools.
“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 Kerzner.
Ontario says the measure is part of an upcoming legislative package aimed at enhancing the province’s security.
2)Ontario bars, restaurants will be able to sell alcohol until 4 a.m. during World Cup
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Canadian Press Staff, May 19, 2026
Licensed Ontario restaurants and bars will be allowed to sell alcohol until 4 a.m. during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The province announced the temporary extension this morning, saying it would help support tourism and local businesses during the international soccer tournament.
Toronto is set to host six games starting June 12, and the province says the extended hours will apply from June 11 to July 19.
Last call for alcohol service is typically 2 a.m., though the Ontario government has made temporary changes in the past for major sporting events such as the recent Olympic gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States.
The LCBO will also have extended hours at 27 stores in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa between June 11 and July 19.
The province says those stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.