Ottawa Unveils ‘National Action Plan’ to Address Car Theft
The federal government is making changes to the Criminal Code and regulations to address car theft.
In Brampton, Ont., several ministers announced a “national action plan” during a news conference on May 20, with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland referring to it as a “robust plan.”
“We have put in place a robust plan to crack down on auto theft and to protect Canadians, to protect the people here in Brampton,” she said during the conference. “Our Budget Implementation Act includes measures such as providing law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to protect Canadians from having their cars stolen.”
The plan includes various previously announced measures, such as $28 million for detecting and searching stolen vehicles in shipping containers, and an additional $15 million for law enforcement agencies’ efforts to combat auto theft.
Justice Minister Arif Virani emphasized that auto theft is not only an issue in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and mentioned the importance of addressing the root causes of criminal activity.
He said, “The fact that it’s auto theft orchestrated by organized crime makes it attractive to criminals who can sell these vehicles for profit and fund their illegal activities.”
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Car thefts have resulted in higher insurance costs, with theft claims amounting to $700 million in 2022, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Toronto Police data shows a significant increase in car thefts, with 9,606 cars stolen in 2022 compared to previous years. On average, a vehicle is stolen every six minutes, as reported by Rates.ca.
The government has seen a decrease in vehicle thefts as collaborative efforts between government agencies increase.
“In 2024, we have intercepted over 1,200 stolen vehicles in railyards and marine ports,” said Erin O’Gorman, the president of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in a government news release. “The CBSA will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement to intercept stolen vehicles before they leave the country.”
Changes to Legislation
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc mentioned that the government is working closely with law enforcement to intensify efforts against auto theft in the GTA and Ontario at large.
He stated, “We will introduce new legislative and regulatory changes with stricter penalties under the Criminal Code and regulations governing devices used in vehicle theft.”
The government also plans to impose harsher penalties for suspects involving minors in crimes.
“Our proposed legislation will include an aggravated factor in sentencing for adults who involve young individuals in criminal activities,” added Mr. Virani.
Additionally, Mr. LeBlanc highlighted the importance of enhancing intelligence sharing among governments, law enforcement agencies, and customs officials.
He explained, “This will enable us to identify stolen vehicles more rapidly at ports and rail yards.”
Other proposed changes include allowing wiretap warrants and DNA orders for auto theft cases, penalties for money laundering related to criminal organizations, and regulations targeting possession and distribution of theft devices.
