Close X
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Border agency recovered nearly 2,000 stolen vehicles this year: transport minister

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Oct, 2024 12:19 PM
  • Border agency recovered nearly 2,000 stolen vehicles this year: transport minister

Canada's border guards have recovered more stolen vehicles at railyards and ports so far this year than in all of 2023. 

Transport Minister Anita Anand said the Canada Border Services Agency has recovered 1,945 stolen vehicles, with the majority found in Quebec.

The federal government launched an action plan earlier this year to address the record rates of vehicle thefts, involving local and international police agencies, vehicle manufacturers and other partners. 

"We are here today to say that this is working, that we are seeing a 19 per cent decrease in auto theft during the first half of 2024 compared to last year," Anand said at a press conference outside Halton Regional Police Service headquarters in Oakville, Ont. 

"We are seeing the CBSA seize 1,900-plus vehicles, and we are making sure we ourselves as a federal government are being held accountable."

Anand added that she expects to introduce new regulations for vehicle manufacturers about the need for anti-theft technology in new vehicles next year. However, she could not share a specific timeline, instead saying it's being addressed on an "as soon as possible basis."

She said the consultation process on those potential regulations is complete, and she is waiting on officials to bring forward proposed changes. 

The anti-theft regulations would only apply to new vehicles. To deter theft, Ontario Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden suggested drivers park inside if possible and use a steering wheel club, a common anti-theft device. 

Much of the auto theft problem is centred in Ontario and Quebec, with stolen vehicles being routed through the Port of Montreal and then shipped overseas. 

According to insurance crime watchdog Équité Association, 28,550 vehicles were stolen in Canada in the first half of 2024. The watchdog's finding pointed to a 17 per cent decrease in thefts from the year prior. 

In an Oct. 2 report, the Insurance Bureau of Canada said claims for stolen vehicles were down 19 per cent year-over-year, but noted the issue is trending "significantly above" historic averages. 

MORE National ARTICLES

On pre-budget charm offensive, Trudeau announces plans to expand $10-a-day child care

On pre-budget charm offensive, Trudeau announces plans to expand $10-a-day child care
The federal government's pre-budget charm offensive is back for a second straight day — this time aimed at parents and child care providers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government plans to provide more than $1 billion in low-cost loans, grants and student loan forgiveness to expand child care across Canada. 

On pre-budget charm offensive, Trudeau announces plans to expand $10-a-day child care

'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war

'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians. Nawaz Tahir of the Hikma Public Affairs Council in London, Ont., met Poilievre during the leader's outreach efforts in southwestern Ontario last summer. 

'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war

Chief electoral officer expresses confidence in integrity of last two elections

Chief electoral officer expresses confidence in integrity of last two elections
Canada's chief electoral officer, Stéphane Perrault, is telling a federal inquiry he has confidence in the integrity of the last two general elections with respect to his mandate. As head of Elections Canada, Perrault is responsible for ensuring Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.  

Chief electoral officer expresses confidence in integrity of last two elections

ICBC tells drivers to exercise caution this Easter long weekend

ICBC tells drivers to exercise caution this Easter long weekend
ICBC says drivers should use extra caution on the roads this upcoming long weekend. The insurance corporation says weather can be unpredictable around Easter, and overlap with the holiday weekend and spring break means roads will be likely packed with road trippers and families on vacation.  

ICBC tells drivers to exercise caution this Easter long weekend

Crypto scams rampant in BC

Crypto scams rampant in BC
The B-C Securities Commission says it's teaming up with the R-C-M-P, Vancouver police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the U-S Secret Service to sound the alarm about escalating scams targeting unsuspecting people and their money. 

Crypto scams rampant in BC

Canada Post releases new stamp celebrating Muslim festival

Canada Post releases new stamp celebrating Muslim festival
The Crown corporation says Canadians can use the stamps to send greetings ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a four-day Islamic festival in April that follows Ramadan, a holy month many Muslims spend fasting from sunrise to sunset and volunteering for charities.

Canada Post releases new stamp celebrating Muslim festival