The federal government wants to “dismantle and prosecute” criminal groups responsible for vehicle thefts thanks to a new national intervention plan.
The Minister of Transport and Lieutenant of Quebec, Pablo Rodriguez, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, made the announcement Monday morning at a press conference in Dorval.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The Minister of Transport and Lieutenant of Quebec, Pablo Rodriguez (back), and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne
Ottawa wants to modernize the laws and regulations regarding car theft, in particular by putting in place tougher penalties for vehicle thefts involving acts of violence, organized crime and money laundering.
The action plan plans to inject $28 million into intervention measures against vehicle theft. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will integrate “the use of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to better target containers containing vehicles that may have been stolen,” according to the government press release federal.
New officers will be hired and deployed to increase surveillance of ports, railway stations and intermodal centers.
Ottawa also intends to strengthen cooperation between the various police and customs authorities in Canada and internationally, by promoting the exchange of information.
Currently, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has intercepted 1,205 stolen vehicles at train stations and ports since the start of 2024.