TikTok CEO Seeks Urgent Meeting with Canadian Minister as Shutdown Order Nears ‘Critical Juncture’

TikTok CEO Shou Chew has requested an urgent meeting with Canada’s Industry Minister Mélanie Joly over the federal government’s directive to shut down the company’s Canadian operations. In a letter dated July 2, Chew asked for an in-person discussion within two weeks, calling the order “outdated and counterproductive.”

The shutdown directive stems from a November 2024 national security review under the Investment Canada Act, which targeted TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd. The government cited national security concerns, although no specific threats have been publicly disclosed.

Chew argued that the decision was made under different geopolitical circumstances, notably when a U.S. ban on TikTok seemed imminent. “There is no upside to this outdated and counterproductive government order,” he wrote, noting that Canada would be out of step with its Five Eyes allies should the shutdown proceed.

Although the shutdown would halt TikTok’s business operations in Canada, the app itself would still be available to Canadian users. However, Chew warned that the company would be forced to terminate over 350 Canadian employees, withdraw funding from Canadian arts and culture initiatives, and eliminate support for local content creators.

On July 7, TikTok officially pulled out of sponsorship deals with major institutions, including the Juno Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Chew also emphasized TikTok’s cooperation with Canadian institutions, highlighting the platform’s work with Elections Canada, parliamentary committees, law enforcement, and regulators. “Maintaining a presence in Canada means there is a local team accountable to Canadian policymakers,” he wrote.

The letter comes as TikTok continues to challenge the federal shutdown order in court, arguing that the government’s decision lacks clear evidence and reasonable connection to actual national security threats.

Concerns over TikTok’s ties to Chinese national security laws have raised alarms in several Western nations, prompting investigations. However, Chew insisted that no proof has been presented linking TikTok to espionage or data misuse.

The Industry Minister’s office has not confirmed whether a meeting with Chew has been scheduled or if the letter has received a response.