Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety; Arif Virani, Minister of Justice; François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation; and Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, announced the National Action Plan on Combating Auto Theft. This initiative, building on the National Summit held in February, aims to disrupt and prosecute organized crime groups linked to auto theft and enhance collaboration across governmental levels.
The plan includes legislative changes to impose sterner penalties for auto theft associated with violence and organized crime, along with new measures to control theft-enabling devices. This involves amendments to the Criminal Code and the Radiocommunication Act, as highlighted in Budget 2024. A public consultation has also been launched to address the use of wireless devices in thefts, and Transport Canada will update vehicle safety regulations to reflect new anti-theft technologies.
Moreover, improvements in information sharing and intelligence among municipal, provincial, federal, and international forces will support more robust criminal investigations and prosecutions. A National Intergovernmental Working Group on Auto Theft will also be established to coordinate efforts and monitor progress.
The plan includes enhanced interventions like increased examinations of shipping containers by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), using advanced targeting tools to prevent the export of stolen vehicles. Continuous updates will ensure the plan remains effective in tackling evolving auto theft trends.
“The Government of Canada is committed to intensifying efforts to prevent car theft, disrupt the movement of stolen vehicles to ports, target and prosecute offenders, and recover stolen vehicles at ports and rail yards,” stated the ministers.
Additional comments from local leaders underline the plan’s significance:
Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown noted, “Auto theft is a real concern in the community of Brampton and across Canada. We’re starting to see the results of the coordination between authorities and all levels of government, but we know we need to double down on our efforts.”
MP Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, added, “Building on the work of the National Summit, our National Action Plan on Combating Auto Theft takes a comprehensive approach to the issue and implements immediate actions, such as introducing tougher penalties, improving information sharing, and enhancing intervention on the ground. We won’t stop until organized crime groups involved in auto theft are held accountable.”
MP Shafqat Ali expressed support, emphasizing the need for enhanced capacity at key points like the CN intermodal hub in Brampton, which will greatly aid in mitigating this pervasive issue.