NDP MP urges government to sanction Canadian companies doing business with ICE

NDP MP Heather McPherson sent a public letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney asking the federal government to restrict Canadian business ties with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including denying export permits and withdrawing public contracts. She named companies reported to have ties to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, such as Hootsuite, and noted recent ICE activity in U.S. cities including Minneapolis.

An NDP MP has asked the federal government to act on Canadian companies that do business with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Heather McPherson posted a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on X outlining measures she wants Ottawa to consider. Her letter cites recent ICE operations in several U.S. cities and raises concerns about the effects of those operations. The matter is receiving attention amid McPherson’s campaign for her party’s leadership. Key points: - McPherson asked the government to deny export permits for equipment sold to ICE and to withdraw public subsidies or contracts from companies that deal with the agency. - She described recent ICE actions in U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, and said those actions have drawn large public demonstrations. - The letter names companies reported to have ties to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including Hootsuite; Hootsuite’s CEO said their work for DHS does not include tracking or surveillance of individuals. - CBC reporting notes other Canadian links cited in the letter, including an order for armoured vehicles from defence manufacturer Roshel and media coverage about a possible DHS-related property transaction involving Jim Pattison. - CBC News has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for a response, and McPherson is among candidates who cleared a party ballot hurdle as she pursues the NDP leadership. Summary: The letter asks the federal government to restrict or withdraw support for Canadian companies doing business with ICE and lists specific actions such as denying export permits and removing public contracts. The Prime Minister’s Office was contacted for comment; the government's response and any next steps are undetermined at this time.