News release

Nova Scotia Welcomes New Federal Auto-theft Legislation

Justice

A proposed new federal law targeting auto theft and property crime is good news for Nova Scotians, Attorney General and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke said today, April 16.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson this week announced Bill C-53, which would amend the Criminal Code to strengthen car theft laws. The new legislation acts on a commitment by federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers to crack down on the growing area of crime.

"Nova Scotians want their governments to make sure that every possible step is being taken to make our streets safer, which includes taking the fight to car thieves," said Mr. Clarke.

"As Nova Scotia's justice minister, I am delighted that the prime minister has responded to the call of provincial and territorial governments to bring in stronger legislation against car theft."

Bill C-53 would make it a crime to:

  • alter, destroy or remove a vehicle information number (VIN);
  • knowingly sell, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver goods that have been acquired through crime;
  • possess property known to be obtained through crime for the purpose of trafficking.

The legislation would also give additional powers to the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and prevent stolen property from leaving the country.

Auto theft costs Canadians an estimated $1 billion a year, as well as $600 million in extra costs to car insurers, who, in turn, pass that on to drivers in the form of higher premiums.

"Bill C-53 closes a loophole that criminals are taking advantage of, costing Nova Scotians tens of millions of dollars," said Mr. Clarke. "I urge all members of Parliament to pass this bill and make it the law of the land."

Nova Scotia has also launched a Fix Youth Crime campaign ( www.fixyouthcrime.com ) to build public support to convince Parliament to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act, based on the recommendations of the Nunn Commission.