Today, the Government of Canada provided an update on the progress made under the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Following the announcement, Liam McGuinty, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), issued the following statement:
“IBC and its members commend the federal government for its ongoing commitment to combatting auto theft. Thanks in large part to the concerted efforts of the federal government, provincial governments, and law enforcement, the rate of auto theft has dropped by 21% over the past year.
However, now is not the time to rest on our laurels — auto theft rates remain above historical levels and continues to disrupt the lives of Canadians from coast-to-coast. Auto theft is not a victimless crime — it causes trauma and incites fear in innocent victims and drivers. Since 2014, auto theft claims count have increased by 115% and auto theft losses have risen by 371%.
We continue to encourage the federal government to implement all recommendations within its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, including strengthening the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to ensure vehicles are better designed to prevent vehicle theft."
