FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2024

NDP passes motion to combat auto theft in Canada

New Democrats are fighting to ensure Canadians are protected from getting their car stolen.

OTTAWA—On Wednesday evening, NDP critic for Auto Strategy Brian Masse (Windsor West) passed a motion at the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology to call on automakers to tell Canadians what they are doing to improve security features that would help stop the growing problem of auto theft across the country.

Masse says more transparency from the automakers will allow better informed improvements to help stop auto theft in communities.

“No one wants to deal with having their car stolen. But years of Conservative and Liberal governments failed to address this growing issue in Canada,” said Masse. “Canadians want to see measures to prevent their car from being stolen from their driveways. It’s time for automakers to be transparent and tell Canadians what they’re doing to protect them from auto theft.”

Masse’s motion requires automakers to submit their answers to committee within 5 working days.

“For years, the Liberals have delayed measures to prevent auto theft and, as a cabinet minister, Pierre Poilievre cut $600 million from the RCMP’s budget and fired over 1,100 border security professionals in one year alone,” said Masse. “New Democrats believe action is needed now to put a stop to this theft that is costing Canadian families thousands of dollars. The NDP is forcing auto CEOs to come clean to Canadians about their security features, so we can know what needs to be improved.”

Here is the text of Masse’s motion:

That pursuant to Standing Order 108(1), the committee send for, from the auto manufacturers Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Company, and Stellantis (FCA Canada Inc.), BMW Group Canada Inc, Honda Canada Inc., Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Jaguar Land Rover Canada ULC, Kia Canada Inc., Maserati Canada Inc., Mazda Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc., Nissan Canada Inc.,  Porsche Cars Canada Ltd., Subaru Canada, Inc., Toyota Canada Inc., Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., Volvo Car Canada Ltd., and Tesla Motors Canada ULC, a comprehensive report on their strategies and initiatives taken to date and on further actions aimed at improving security features to address auto
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