TikTok’s CEO seeks urgent talks with Industry Minister Joly to reverse Canada’s shutdown order, warning of job losses and cultural impact.
TikTok Presses Ottawa to Reconsider Ban
TikTok CEO Shou Chew has requested an urgent in-person meeting with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, seeking to reverse Canada’s order to shut down the company’s operations in the country. In a letter dated July 2 and obtained by media sources, Chew called the directive “outdated and counterproductive,” warning that the wind-down process is nearing a critical point.
CEO Appeals for Dialogue
Chew asked to meet within two weeks to discuss the November 2023 shutdown order, which was issued following a national security review of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd. He argues the decision was made under a different administration and geopolitical context, particularly when a U.S. ban on TikTok appeared imminent. That situation has since shifted, with U.S. President Donald Trump extending the U.S. ban deadline for a third time in June.
“There is no upside to this outdated and counterproductive government order,” Chew wrote, adding that the directive “doesn’t reflect today’s reality.”
Canadian Jobs and Investments at Risk
In the letter, Chew warned that without government intervention, TikTok would soon begin laying off over 350 Canadian employees, cease local investments, and withdraw support for Canadian creators and cultural initiatives. The company has already started pulling out of key sponsorships, including partnerships with the Juno Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival.
“The wind-up process is rapidly approaching a critical juncture,” Chew emphasized, urging Joly to meet and consider alternate solutions.
Legal Challenge in Federal Court
TikTok has challenged the Canadian shutdown order in federal court, arguing that the government’s actions lack a direct connection to any proven national security threat. The company maintains that Ottawa has not disclosed specific risks or shown a willingness to explore mitigations such as enhanced data protections and regulatory oversight.
The federal government initiated its security review under the Investment Canada Act in late 2023, citing concerns tied to China’s national security laws, which could require Chinese firms to share data with authorities. However, no concrete evidence of wrongdoing has been made public.
Government Yet to Respond
As of July 15, Joly’s office has not confirmed whether the minister will meet with Chew. A spokesperson declined to comment on the letter or provide details on Ottawa’s next steps.
Chew argued that a continued Canadian presence allows TikTok to remain accountable to local authorities and comply with national standards. “TikTok maintaining a presence in Canada means there is a local team who is accountable to Canadian policy-makers and authorities,” he wrote.
Platform Remains Accessible
Despite the order, TikTok will still be available to Canada’s 14 million users. However, the company would no longer have offices, staff, or representatives operating under Canadian jurisdiction.
The ongoing dispute marks a key moment in Canada’s approach to regulating foreign tech platforms, with broader implications for privacy, digital sovereignty, and international trade.
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