The Canadian government is addressing the growing issue of auto thefts in the country’s major cities by calling for a summit to be held in Ottawa next month. The meeting, scheduled for February 8th, will bring together political leaders, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to the rising number of cars being stolen and shipped abroad.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of collaboration in identifying and implementing solutions during a press conference in Montreal. The government pointed out that much of the auto theft is linked to organized crime, and there has been a significant increase in the theft of vehicles in recent years. The rise in vehicle thefts is a significant concern, with reports indicating a 50 percent increase in Quebec, 48.3 percent in Ontario, 34.5 percent in Atlantic Canada, and 18.35 percent in Alberta, just in 2022.
Stolen vehicles are being used either in international trade with organized crime groups, or within Canada to commit crimes before being destroyed. The situation has become increasingly violent, with carjacking incidents on the rise. The Greater Toronto Area saw a 104 percent increase in carjackings between 2021 and 2022, while Oakville, Ont., has also been significantly impacted.
The upcoming summit will include a diverse group of participants, including municipal and provincial police forces, the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency, and auto companies, alongside federal and provincial politicians. The government also highlighted the impact of auto theft on insurance rates, with a vehicle being stolen every five minutes and the resulting increase in premiums for drivers. The rising number of auto thefts has significant implications for both crime and financial considerations, prompting the need for collaborative action and solutions.