6.14°C Vancouver

Feb 8, 2024 6:22 PM - The Canadian Press

Feds seek ideas at national summit to help put brakes on auto theft

Share On
feds-seek-ideas-at-national-summit-to-help-put-brakes-on-auto-theft
The federal government says an estimated 90,000 cars are stolen annually in Canada, resulting in about $1 billion in costs to Canadian insurance policy-holders and taxpayers.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Officials from various levels of government are set to gather with police and industry leaders in Ottawa today to brainstorm on fighting the scourge of automobile theft.

The federal government says an estimated 90,000 cars are stolen annually in Canada, resulting in about $1 billion in costs to Canadian insurance policy-holders and taxpayers.

It says auto theft increasingly involves organized crime groups, and the proceeds of these crimes are used to fund other illegal activities.

Ottawa says most stolen autos shipped abroad are destined for Africa and the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the government earmarked $28 million in new money to help tackle the export of stolen vehicles.

The announcement followed persistent pressure from the federal Conservatives, who have been pitching ideas this week to deal with the problem.

Latest news

canadas-economy-contracts-in-october-as-manufacturing-and-public-sector-activity-slow
CanadaDec 23, 2025

Canada’s economy contracts in October as manufacturing and public sector activity slow

Canada’s real gross domestic product declined by 0.3 per cent in October, according to new data from Statistics Canada, as weakness in manufacturing and parts of the public sector weighed on overall economic activity. The federal agency said goods-producing industries fell by 0.7 per cent during the month, with manufacturing responsible for nearly the entire drop. The slowdown follows earlier signs of easing demand and supply chain adjustments across several manufacturing subsectors. Public sector activity also declined, partly reflecting the impact of Alberta’s provincewide teachers’ st
WorldDec 23, 2025

Russian drone and missile barrage hits Ukraine, killing at least three and disrupting power

Ukraine says Russia launched one of its largest combined aerial attacks of the war overnight and into Tuesday, firing more than 650 drones along with several dozen missiles at targets across the country. Ukrainian officials reported at least three people were killed, including a four-year-old child, and multiple regions experienced power outages as air defences worked for hours to repel the assault. The strikes damaged energy infrastructure and residential areas, forcing emergency crews to respond across several cities. Authorities said the scale and duration of the attack caused widespread di
alberta-election-agency-approves-proposed-separation-referendum-question
AlbertaDec 23, 2025

Alberta election agency approves proposed separation referendum question

Alberta’s election authority has approved a proposed referendum question that would ask voters whether the province should separate from Canada and become an independent country. Elections Alberta confirmed the question meets the technical requirements under provincial legislation. The wording asks voters whether they agree that Alberta should cease to be part of Canada in order to become an independent state. The application was submitted by the Alberta Prosperity Project, an organization that advocates for increased provincial autonomy and independence. The group now has until early Januar
BCDec 23, 2025

Second-degree murder charge laid nearly six years after Maple Ridge homicide

Nearly six years after the body of 24-year-old Edi Bogere was found on a vacant forested property in Maple Ridge, homicide investigators say charges have now been approved in the case. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirms that a 31-year-old Port Coquitlam man has been charged in connection with Bogere’s death, which was first deemed suspicious in January 2020 after Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to the scene and requested IHIT assistance. Investigators believe Bogere was last seen leaving his home in Coquitlam on the evening of December 27, 2019. His body was discovered two week
vancouver-police-search-for-driver-after-fatal-hit-and-run-in-east-vancouver
BCDec 23, 2025

Vancouver police search for driver after fatal hit-and-run in East Vancouver

Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly pedestrian in East Vancouver early Tuesday morning. Officers say the collision occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Rupert Street near Euclid Avenue. Police and BC Emergency Health Services responded to reports that an 81-year-old woman had been struck by a vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling northbound on Rupert Street. The woman died at the scene before she could be taken to hospital. Investigators believe the vehicle involved is a dark grey Volkswagen Golf, like

Related News