Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, along with Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblanc and Justice Minister Arif Virani, announced that the federal government is proposing several measures as part of a national action plan to combat auto theft.
The plan includes legislative and regulatory changes, including amendments to the Criminal Code to impose stricter penalties for auto theft related to violence, organized crime, and money laundering. Additionally, new offences targeting the possession and distribution of devices that aid in auto theft will be introduced.
Enhancements in intelligence and information sharing among municipal, provincial, federal, and international police and customs officials are also part of the plan. Furthermore, improvements in intervention capabilities will allow for increased examination of shipping containers, achieved through expanded capacity at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the integration of new targeting tools.
“We are here on Victoria Day because we take this issue seriously,” Freeland remarked, alongside several federal ministers and elected officials.
RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme revealed that he has held discussions with representatives from a prominent Canadian auto manufacturer regarding the increasing incidents of vehicle theft, which he emphasized the entire industry is treating seriously.
The Commissioner mentioned that during a recent meeting in Ottawa, the unnamed company assured him that they, along with other manufacturers, are actively exploring ways to enhance the security of their products against theft. While he did not detail specific actions being taken by the company, Commissioner Duheme acknowledged that addressing the issue is complex and presents significant challenges.
Recently Ontario also unveiled its provincial plan to combat auto theft. Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of motor vehicle theft under the Criminal Code would receive a 10-year license suspension for a first offense, a 15-year suspension for a second offense, and a lifetime suspension for a third offense. These suspensions would be applicable in cases where the court determines that aggravating factors were present, such as violence, use of a weapon, use of force, threat, or pursuit of financial gain.