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By Ismail Shakil<\/p>\n
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada ordered on Friday the dissolution of two technology companies’ businesses in the country, citing national security concerns.<\/p>\n
The companies, Bluvec Technologies Inc and Pegauni Technology Inc, were given the dissolution order and asked to cease all operations in the country under a law that governs foreign investments in Canada, according to a statement from the innovation ministry.<\/p>\n
The decision was taken after a review that involved “rigorous scrutiny by Canada’s national security and intelligence community”, Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in the statement.<\/p>\n
“While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, we will act decisively when investments threaten our national security,” Champagne said.<\/p>\n
The statement did not give details of the investments, the security concerns, or any information on the companies beyond their names. A spokesperson for the innovation minister did not immediately respond to a request for more information late on Friday.<\/p>\n
A website for Bluvec Technologies describes it as a maker of drone detection devices. Pegauni Technology’s website could not be accessed. A LinkedIn account with that name said the company makes wireless security products.<\/p>\n
When Reuters called the general number listed on Bluvec’s website for a response, a person who identified herself as Claire said the company had not received any order from the government and was making checks.<\/p>\n
Pegauni Technology could not be reached for comment.<\/p>\n
The law on foreign investments – the Investment Canada Act – was revised earlier this year to add tougher national security reviews of proposed foreign investments.<\/p>\n
Foreigners who acquire control of a Canadian business or who wish to establish a new business in the country are subject to the law.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n