On December 27, 2025, the federal government released its proposed amendments to Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. Following the release of these proposed amendments, Liam McGuinty, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), issued the following statement:
“IBC and its members welcome the federal government’s proposed amendments to Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, which reflect the federal government’s continued commitment to its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.
“The proposed amendments would replace outdated vehicle immobilization standards with updated standards that align with the latest international requirements for theft protection. Specifically, the amendments would replace the outdated CAN/ULC 1998 standard with the CAN/ULC 2025 standard.
“The CAN/ULC 2025 standard introduces a new category, ‘electronic attack tools,’ that captures the increasingly sophisticated methods auto thieves have been using over the past decade. This category includes emerging technologies such as on-board diagnostics key programming tools, vehicle key emulators (i.e., devices that allow a user to mimic or emulate car keys for certain vehicle models), and key signal relay equipment. These amendments would ensure that all vehicles sold in Canada, including those imported, are designed to withstand modern electronic theft techniques.
“The property and casualty insurance industry has long advocated for stronger regulatory requirements to prevent vehicle theft. Over the past 10 years, auto theft in Canada has increased dramatically. One of the causes of this decade-long increase is that vehicles in this country have become too easy to steal. Modernized anti-theft standards are essential for making vehicles more secure and discouraging car thieves.
“Thanks in large part to the concerted efforts of federal, provincial, and municipal governments, law enforcement, and Équité Association, the rate of auto theft has dropped over the past year. But there’s still more to do as auto theft rates remain above historical levels and these crimes continue to disrupt the lives of Canadians, causing trauma and fear in communities across the country. IBC applauds the federal government for taking decisive action to release its proposed amendments and helping to strengthen Canada’s defences against auto theft.”
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