Close X
Sunday, December 22, 2024
ADVT 
National

Liberals devote $28M to beef up fight against stolen car exports on eve of summit

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Feb, 2024 05:07 PM
  • Liberals devote $28M to beef up fight against stolen car exports on eve of summit

The federal government is earmarking $28 million in new money to help fight the export of stolen vehicles.

The Liberal government said Wednesday the money will give the Canada Border Services Agency more capacity to detect and search containers with pilfered autos.

The funding will also enhance collaboration and information sharing with partners across Canada and internationally to identify and arrest those committing the crimes, the government added.

The announcement comes on the eve of a national summit on auto theft that will bring together government officials, industry leaders and law enforcement representatives from across the country.

It also follows persistent pressure from the federal Conservatives, who have been pitching ideas this week to deal with the problem.

The federal government says an estimated 90,000 cars are stolen annually in Canada, resulting in about $1 billion in costs to Canadian insurance policy-holders and taxpayers.

Auto theft is viewed as low risk with high profit, and thieves often track desirable, newer models of SUVs or trucks from public spaces to owners' homes, where they use sophisticated electronic devices to gain access to the vehicle, the government says.

Stolen vehicles are then either exported or dismantled for their parts, like catalytic converters that can be worth $800 to $1200 alone, it adds.

Most stolen autos shipped abroad are destined for Africa and the Middle East, according to the government. Some stolen vehicles also remain in Canada, allowing other crimes to be committed with them.

Auto theft "increasingly involves organized crime groups, and the proceeds of these thefts are used to fund other illegal activities," the government said Wednesday in announcing the new funding.

"There is no single solution to this complex problem."

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Wednesday he looks forward to discussions Thursday with organizations from across Canada on "what other additional measures we can take collectively."

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said one avenue is to try to block the technology car thieves are using, adding the summit meeting is not simply a show.

"This is about concrete action."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Indo-Canadian sentenced for carrying loaded 'ghost gun' in mall

Indo-Canadian sentenced for carrying loaded 'ghost gun' in mall
A 23-year-old Indo-Canadian has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for carrying a loaded "ghost gun" at a mall in the country's British Columbia province. Arunjit Singh Virk, who was arrested in March 2021, was also prohibited from possessing any firearm, restricted weapon, or ammunition for 10 years, Ontario-based CTV News reported on Tuesday.

Indo-Canadian sentenced for carrying loaded 'ghost gun' in mall

Poilievre says he's opposed to using puberty blockers to treat young people

Poilievre says he's opposed to using puberty blockers to treat young people
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed Wednesday that he's opposed to allowing the use of puberty blockers on children. Poilievre made the comment during a barrage of media questions about his views on gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth.   

Poilievre says he's opposed to using puberty blockers to treat young people

Calgary police say business cards handed out with free cocaine samples

Calgary police say business cards handed out with free cocaine samples
Police have laid drug-trafficking charges after a man allegedly handed out business cards with free samples of cocaine in Calgary. Officers patrolling a downtown casino became aware of the cards on Christmas Eve after they were given out to patrons.

Calgary police say business cards handed out with free cocaine samples

Immigration minister 'pissed off' that Canadians' families blocked from leaving Gaza

Immigration minister 'pissed off' that Canadians' families blocked from leaving Gaza
Canada's immigration minister is "pissed off" that a list of people related to Canadians are being blocked from leaving the embattled Gaza Strip, he said Wednesday.  Ottawa started accepting applications last month to reunite as many as 1,000 people in the Palestinian territory with extended family members in Canada.

Immigration minister 'pissed off' that Canadians' families blocked from leaving Gaza

Ridge Meadows RCMP asking hit and run driver to turn themselves in

Ridge Meadows RCMP asking hit and run driver to turn themselves in
The Ridge Meadows R-C-M-P is asking the driver of a 2000s white Toyota hatchback to turn themselves in after being involved in a hit and run last month.  Police say the vehicle hit a pedestrian on January 26th in Maple Ridge.  

Ridge Meadows RCMP asking hit and run driver to turn themselves in

Minister backs shift away from privately owned rooming hotels after B.C. fire inquest

Minister backs shift away from privately owned rooming hotels after B.C. fire inquest
British Columbia's housing minster says the province needs to shift away from accommodating vulnerable people in privately owned rooming hotels — but it won't be fast or cheap. Ravi Kahlon's remarks come after the jury in a coroner's inquest into the deadly 2022 Winters Hotel fire in Vancouver made more than two dozen safety recommendations on Monday.  

Minister backs shift away from privately owned rooming hotels after B.C. fire inquest