Ottawa, Nov. 5 -- The Canadian government has directed three Chinese firms to divest from a trio of small lithium miners based in the country.

The move was announced by the government days after introducing tougher rules on foreign investments in the nation's critical minerals sectors.

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said in a statement: "While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, we will act decisively when investments threaten our national security and our critical minerals supply chains, both at home and abroad. In accordance with the ICA, foreign investments are subject to review for national security concerns, and certain types of investment-such as those in the critical ...