Minister Supports Proposed Federal Auto Theft Legislation

Justice Minister and Attorney General Cecil Clarke voiced his support today, April 22, for proposed new federal legislation that will give law enforcement authorities and the courts better tools to fight the crime of auto theft.

The legislation is aimed at all property crime, but gives special attention to the theft of automobiles.

"In Nova Scotia, we are very aware of the dangers surrounding auto theft," said Mr. Clarke. "I am supportive of any new measure which would increase the penalties for committing a crime of this nature."

The legislation, entitled Bill C-26, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, was introduced on April 21. The legislation will:

• create a separate offence of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, which would carry a mandatory six-month prison sentence for conviction of a third or subsequent indictable offence
• establish a new offence for altering, destroying or removing a vehicle identification number
• make trafficking property obtained by crime an offence
• make the possession of property obtained by crime for the purposes of trafficking an offence
• allow the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and prevent stolen property from leaving the country.

"In 2005, shortly after the death of Theresa McEvoy, Michael Baker had a number of meetings with the federal government in an effort to strengthen laws around auto theft," said Mr. Clarke. "I believe this proposed legislation reflects Minister Baker's hard work on this important issue."