On Monday, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez were joined by Montreal area MPs to announce the release of the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.
The Action Plan aims to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute the organized crime groups involved in auto theft. It outlines various measures and initiatives for implementation by federal, provincial, and territorial governments and their partners, in accordance with their respective roles, priorities, and responsibilities. This plan builds on the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft as well as recent enforcement actions that have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of stolen vehicles.
Key measures include:
Legislative and Regulatory Changes
- Criminal Code Amendments: Tougher penalties for auto theft linked to violence, organized crime, and money laundering.
- New Offenses: Targeting the possession and distribution of auto theft devices.
- Sentencing Aggravation: Increased penalties for involving minors in auto theft.
- Radiocommunication Act Changes: Regulating devices used in auto theft.
- Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations: Modernization to include new theft prevention technologies.
Enhanced Intelligence Sharing
- Collaboration: Improved sharing of information between local, provincial, federal, and international law enforcement and customs agencies.
- National Working Group: Establishment of a group to coordinate efforts and monitor progress.
Improved Intervention
- CBSA Enhancements: Increased capacity to target and search shipping containers, preventing stolen vehicles from leaving the country.
The plan will be continuously updated to respond to evolving auto theft trends. Our government will work with partners to make car theft harder, prevent stolen cars from reaching ports, target and prosecute thieves, and recover stolen vehicles.
This comprehensive approach aims to significantly reduce auto theft and enhance public safety across Canada.