Question Period Note: National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft

o According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, an estimated 90,000 cars (or one car every six minutes) are stolen in Canada each year. This results in approximately $1.5 billion in annual costs to Canadian insurance policyholders and taxpayers. 

o On May 20, 2024, the Government of Canada released a National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft focused on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting the organized crime groups involved.

 Our government has taken decisive actions to combat auto theft, including the launch of the National Action Plan, building on the successes of the February 2024 National Summit.
 Through collaborative efforts with provincial, territorial, municipal and industry partners, we continue to see positive results:
o According to Équité Association’s First Half of 2025: Auto Theft Trend Report, theft of private passenger vehicles has decreased by 19.1% country-wide compared to the same period in 2024.
o The Canada Border Services Agency intercepted 2,277 stolen vehicles at its marine and intermodal ports in 2024, with significant interceptions in Quebec and Ontario. In addition, 1,155 vehicles have been detained thus far in 2025 (as of September 23, 2025).
o Integration with INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle Database has resulted in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) receiving thousands of notifications and international collaboration requests.
 We know that criminal networks are quick to adapt, and that is why the Government will continue to work actively with all our partners to ensure a comprehensive and agile response to this evolving criminal trend.

o The National Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s recent actions to combat auto theft, which are already making a difference.
o The National Action Plan is informed by continued collaboration with our partners following the February 8, 2024, National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft. The Government of Canada continues to work with these crucial partners to coordinate our actions and ensure the plan remains current and flexible.
o Auto theft is a complex problem that requires manufacturers, insurance companies, shippers, law enforcement agencies and governments to work together on solutions. Each partner has a role play in reducing auto thefts. Recognizing the significant impact this issue is having on the lives of Canadians, and as highlighted in the most recent update to the National Action Plan, the Government has advanced a number of initiatives that fall within federal authority during the past few months.
1. Legislation, regulations, and governance: Changes, including amendments to the Criminal Code (Bill C-69) to institute tougher penalties for auto theft with ties to violence, organized crime and money laundering, new offences targeting the possession and distribution of devices that facilitate auto theft, a new aggravating factor applicable at sentencing where there is evidence that an offender involved a person under the age of 18 in the commission of an offence, as well as changes to the Radiocommunication Act providing the authorities to the minister to regulate devices used to steal cars, as committed in Budget 2024. These amendments have now become law. As well, the Government launched a consultation to gather information relating to the use of wireless devices in auto theft. In addition, Transport Canada committed to reviewing and modernizing the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations related to theft prevention to ensure they consider technological advancements to deter and prevent auto theft.
2. Intelligence/information sharing: Enhancements between municipal, provincial, federal and international police and customs officials in support of criminal investigations, charges, and prosecutions, building on joint efforts that are already under way.
3. Intervention: Improvements to allow more shipping containers to be examined, through increased capacity at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local police of jurisdiction and INTERPOL, as well as the integration of new targeting tools. Transport Canada committed to working with Public Safety partners to identify high-risk port facilities and conduct targeted security assessments to revise and validate security plans for high-risk container facilities, as necessary. Also, prevention measures and programs targeting at-risk youth with an aim of diverting them from future involvement in criminal and anti-social activities.

If Pressed:
Q1 – Intelligence or information sharing
 By improving the exchange of information and intelligence between customs officials and police forces, we are making it easier to identify and retrieve stolen vehicles.
 We're deploying cutting-edge data analytics and technologies, including artificial intelligence, to track and target stolen vehicles. This disrupts the flow of stolen vehicles from Canada and strikes a blow against organized crime.
 Leveraging financial intelligence from Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), we're bolstering investigations related to auto theft. This powerful tool is helping us uncover the financial networks behind these crimes.
Q2 – Intervention
 We are implementing advanced security features in vehicles to make them harder to steal. This includes technologies like immobilizers, tracking systems, and improved locking mechanisms.
 We are also enhancing methods to quickly locate and recover stolen vehicles. This involves using GPS tracking, collaboration with law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to report stolen vehicles promptly.
 We are strengthening border controls and inspections to prevent stolen vehicles from being exported. This includes deploying detection technologies at marine ports and intermodal facilities to intercept stolen vehicles before they leave the country.
Q3 – Legislation, regulations, and governance
 We have introduced stricter penalties for auto theft, particularly when it is linked to organized crime. This means harsher sentences and fines for those convicted, sending a strong message that auto theft will not be tolerated.
 New regulations are being implemented to enhance vehicle security standards. This includes mandating advanced anti-theft technologies in new vehicles, making them harder to steal.
 Robust governance structures have been established to oversee the implementation of the action plan. This ensures that all initiatives are executed effectively and that there is accountability at every level.
 We're strengthening legal frameworks to facilitate better cooperation and information sharing between law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. This includes creating new laws and policies that support collaborative efforts to combat auto theft.