TORONTO, Nov. 18 2010 – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is applauding the federal government for passing Bill S-9, known as the “Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act.” These changes to the Criminal Code of Canada are a significant step forward and a powerful tool for those fighting to increase safety and security for Canadians. The Bill received Royal Assent today and will take effect at a date to be determined.
For the past six years, IBC has been the leading proponent, along with Canada’s law enforcement community, for comprehensive, tough anti-crime legislation to address the serious problem of auto theft and the involvement of organized crime.
“IBC has worked tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and with key members of Parliament to advance this important legislation through the House of Commons and the Senate,” said Rick Dubin, IBC’s Vice-President, Investigative Services. “Our appreciation goes out to the Honourable Rob Nicholson, MP, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and to all the MPs and senators who voted to pass this important bill. IBC will continue to work with our partners on issues to further reduce insurance crime.”
The new law amends the Criminal Code to provide tougher penalties for property crime and specifically will target organized criminals involved in trafficking in stolen vehicles. Specific changes, which will address organized crime, include the following:
- Create a separate offence of “theft of a motor vehicle,” with a mandatory six-month prison sentence for a third or subsequent conviction.
- Establish a new offence for altering, destroying or removing a vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Make it an offence to traffic in property obtained by crime.
- Make it an offence to possess such property for the purpose of trafficking.
Also, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be given additional powers to detain suspected stolen property destined for export before it leaves the country. This measure directly targets proceeds from auto theft that fund organized crime and possibly terrorist groups as well.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 110,000 Canadians, pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion. www.ibc.ca/
