Bill C-379, also known as the Combating Motor Vehicle Theft Act, aims to amend the Criminal Code to address the rising issue of motor vehicle theft in Canada. The bill is in response to a significant increase in motor vehicle theft rates since 2015, with a particular concern that these thefts are increasingly linked to criminal organizations that export the stolen vehicles. The bill was introduced on February 12, 2024.
The bill proposes several changes to the Criminal Code. First, it increases the minimum term of imprisonment for a third or subsequent motor vehicle theft offense to three years. Second, the bill mandates that courts give primary consideration to the fact that the offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization when determining a sentence. Finally, the bill restricts the possibility of a person convicted of motor vehicle theft from receiving a conditional sentence order.
The bill's preamble highlights the increasing rate of motor vehicle thefts in Canada, especially in urban areas like Toronto. It also emphasizes the growing involvement of criminal organizations in these thefts. Parliament recognizes motor vehicle theft as a matter of national concern and aims to deter and prevent such crimes through these amendments.
Crime
This bill seeks to increase the penalties for motor vehicle theft, especially for repeat offenders and those involved with criminal organizations. It mandates a minimum three-year imprisonment for third or subsequent offenses. It also directs courts to prioritize the connection to criminal organizations when sentencing. Furthermore, the bill restricts the use of conditional sentences for motor vehicle theft convictions.