On June 3, the federal government introduced Bill C-2 in the House of Commons to bolster security at the Canada—U.S. border. While the proposed legislation is aimed in part at reassuring American authorities, it also includes measures designed to help law enforcement crack down on organized crime, particularly the export of stolen vehicles. 

The 190-clause bill, titled An Act respecting certain measures related to the Canada—United States border and to related security measures, is sponsored by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. 

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) welcomed the legislation. In a statement released on June 4, the Association noted that “Canada lags behind its international partners in the ability to lawfully access electronic evidence associated to criminal activity.” Transnational organized crime groups are exploiting this gap to expand their operations across the country, including vehicle theft, the CACP added. 

The new measures are also expected to improve information sharing, supporting cross-border and international criminal investigations. 

Expanded enforcement powers 

Équité Association, Canada’s national insurance crime and fraud prevention organization, also applauded the bill’s introduction. According to Terri O’Brien, President and CEO, the legislation will strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in addressing vehicle theft. 

This criminal activity helps fund organized crime networks and supports the trafficking and distribution of drugs and firearms in Canadian communities, the organization said in a statement issued June 3. Among the provisions likely to help reduce insurance-related crime, including auto theft, Équité highlighted the following: 

  • Border protection measures through amendments to the Customs Act and the Oceans Act; 
  • Combating transnational organized crime through amendments to various statutes, including the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, and new provisions to enable the timely and lawful access to information in furtherance of investigations; 
  • Disrupting the financing of illegal activities, including through amendments to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act to strengthen efforts against money laundering. 

Part 1 of the bill provides for the establishment of facilities that would allow CBSA officers to inspect exported goods. As outlined in Clause 4, the legislation would authorize them “to open any package or container of those goods or remove any packaging from those goods.” The goal is to prevent the illegal export of stolen items, including vehicles.