A $51 million commitment from the Ford government to combat the rise in auto theft, by identifying and dismantling organized crime networks in the province, was met with the backing of several Canadian automotive industry associations this month. They would like to see a similar approach from the federal government to inspect vehicle shipping containers in the Port of Montreal.
“We collectively call on the federal government to join us in a collaborative dialogue to ensure the levers at their disposal are also deployed to combat vehicle theft,” said Canada’s leading automotive associations.
They are: the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO), the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), and the Canadian Financing and Leasing Association (CFLA).
These associations have been working with the Canadian Automobile Association, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and police forces across both Ontario and Québec. Their goal is to have similar interventions implemented — such as the ones announced by the Ford government.
“Collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and the automotive industry is vital in addressing this issue. Federal engagement is now needed to stop the export of stolen vehicles,” said the associations in a statement. “The Canadian Border Service Agency must use its existing power to search shipment containers before they leave The Port of Montreal.”
They are also calling for better and more collaborative ways to intercept stolen vehicles before they reach the ports that need to be pursued.
