Canada said Tuesday it is unlikely to reveal a decision on the use of Huawei equipment for use in the country’s next-generation 5G network.
According to a new report from CBC, Canada needs more time to finish a review on whether to block Huawei from helping build a new high-speed network, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said.
As such, Ottawa will reportedly not make a decision on whether to ban Huawei from the country’s construction of next-generation 5G wireless networks before the federal election in October.
Canada needs more information from the United States about the nature of the perceived security threat of Huawei, and it most likely won’t come before campaigning begins in early September for the October 21 election, said Goodale.
“I think at this stage, with the amount of time that’s left between now and the issuing of a writ, that it is unlikely for that decision to be taken before an election,” said Goodale in London after a meeting of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group, which includes Canada, the U.S., Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
There are accusations that the telecoms giant is controlled by China’s ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. The US, Australia, Japan, and other governments have imposed curbs on the use of its technology.
Canada has been reviewing risks associated with Huawei’s 5G technology and has yet to make a decision. Goodale said the U.S. and Australia have pressed Canada on the issue, but it will take more time for the government to make a decision.
Goodale said Canada will continue a vigorous and ongoing review of which company is best suited to provide equipment for the country’s new 5G network and has already said Canada has been abundantly clear it will not compromise national security.
“It’s a difficult challenge but we’ll not be deterred by what we believe to be right and what we believe to be in the interests of Canada,” Goodale said.
