The Insurance Bureau of Canada is strongly urging the government to ensure that a new piece of legislation targeting motor vehicle theft is passed by the Senate as quickly as possible upon Parliament’s return on September 14.

Bill C-26, which was passed by the House of Commons in June, is an act to amend the Criminal Code’s treatment of auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. It establishes new criminal offenses for motor vehicle theft, tampering with a vehicle identification number and trafficking in stolen property, and stiffens sentences for these crimes. It also gives Canada Border Services Agency new powers to fight the export of stolen vehicles and other goods.

“Canadians overwhelmingly support tougher laws against auto theft,” said Rick Dubin, vice-president of investigations for IBC. “So, too, did members of the House of Commons when they passed this bill unanimously in June. It would be a shame to see vital legislation like this die on the Order Paper with an election call.”

Auto theft costs Canadians $1.2 billion a year and presents a significant threat to public safety, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. “Every year, scores of Canadians are killed and injured by increasingly brazen auto thieves,” Dubin said.

“We are asking parliamentarians to simply do their jobs, and not leave important work unfinished.”