Huawei likely faces 5G ban in Canada, security experts say – but the trick will be how and when to announce it

Analysts and former diplomats doubt Huawei will be allowed a role in Canada’s next-generation networks, but China’s ambassador warns of repercussions if the firm is banned

Any decision by PM Justin Trudeau could be delayed as long as possible to avoid jeopardising Canadians who are held in China

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For Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Huawei’s involvement in 5G is arguably the most fraught decision he has faced in his almost four years as leader. Photo: AP

Published: 7:27am, 7 Feb 2019Updated: 1:56am, 26 Dec 2021

Canada will probably ban Huawei Technologies from its 5G network, analysts and security experts say, though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may delay the decision as long as possible to avoid jeopardising Canadians detained in China.

As Trudeau awaits a security review ahead the 5G roll-out, former envoys to China, ex-spy chiefs and telecom analysts are increasingly of the view that Canada will follow some of its allies in freezing out Huawei from the next-generation network.

“I think a ban is likely,” Richard Fadden, a former national security adviser to Trudeau, said.

He said Huawei’s presence in 5G would pose a risk to national security, adding that some of Canada’s allies are shunning Huawei. “I think it’s important for Canada to remember it’s in, and of, the West,” Fadden said.

Canada would join countries including the United States, Australia and New Zealand that have blocked or limited the use of Huawei equipment. Germany and other European governments have also been weighing whether to place restrictions over concerns that Chinese intelligence could use the networks to spy on other countries, fears the company has dismissed.

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