The answer to this question depends on the definition of “owned.” Tim Hortons is not 100% owned by China, as the company has a minority stake in itself. However, China is by far the largest shareholder in Tim Hortons, with a stake of more than 50%. This has raised concerns about the possibility of Chinese interference in the chain’s operations.
Some have argued that this could lead to a loss of Canadian heritage, or even political interference in the chain’s operations. Others have argued that the presence of a Chinese company in such a large role is simply a reflection of the size of the Chinese economy, and does not necessarily indicate any problems. It is clear that the answer to this question depends on the specific definition used.