Bill C-379

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft Act

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (motor vehicle theft)

Sponsor

Randy Hoback Conservative

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Defeated, as of Sept. 18, 2024

Subscribe to a feed (what's a feed?) of speeches and votes in the House related to Bill C-379.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to address motor vehicle theft by increasing the minimum term of imprisonment in the case of a third or subsequent motor vehicle theft offence, providing that primary consideration must be given to the fact that the offence was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization and restricting the possibility for a person convicted of a motor vehicle theft offence of being subject to a conditional sentence order.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-379s:

C-379 (2017) An Act to amend the Bank Act (use of word “bank”, “banker” or “banking”)

C-379 (2013) Protecting Canadians' Personal Privacy Act

C-379 (2011) Protecting Canadians' Personal Privacy Act

C-379 (2010) An Act to amend the Air Canada Public Participation Act

Votes

Sept. 18, 2024 Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-379, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (motor vehicle theft)

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-379 aims to amend the Criminal Code regarding motor vehicle theft. The bill proposes to establish a minimum prison sentence of three years for repeat offenders, specifically those committing a third or subsequent offense related to auto theft, particularly when connected to organized crime, while also removing the eligibility for house arrest for serious cases. This bill is intended to deter auto theft and ensure harsher penalties for repeat offenders involved in organized crime, but some debate exists regarding its effectiveness and potential impact on judicial discretion and vulnerable populations.

Conservative

Support for Bill C-379: The Conservative party supports Bill C-379, believing it will reduce auto theft by putting criminals in jail. They argue the bill is a common-sense approach to addressing rising auto theft rates across Canada.
Targeting repeat offenders: The bill targets repeat offenders involved in organized crime, proposing a minimum three-year sentence for a third offense. This is intended to deter those who consciously engage in auto theft as a career.
Criticism of Liberal policies: Conservatives criticize the Liberal government's policies, particularly Bill C-75 and Bill C-5, for contributing to a "catch-and-release" system. They believe these policies have led to increased crime rates and a lack of consequences for offenders.
Need for deterrence: The Conservatives emphasize the importance of deterrence in preventing auto theft. They argue that the Liberal government's "soft-on-crime" approach has removed deterrents, leading to brazen theft and a frustrated police force.

NDP

Opposes mandatory minimums: The NDP opposes the bill as it re-establishes mandatory minimums, which they believe are counterproductive. They argue that mandatory minimums tie the hands of prosecutors and law enforcement, hindering their ability to gain cooperation from lower-level criminals to target gang leaders.
Supports comprehensive strategy: The NDP believes in a comprehensive strategy that includes integrated law enforcement, anti-gang measures, cracking down on money laundering, and properly staffing the CBSA to prevent the export of stolen vehicles. They point to British Columbia as an example of where this approach has been successful.
Prevention programs: The NDP advocates for investment in crime prevention programs and social outreach, which they argue are more cost-effective and have better track records than incarceration. They cite the success of programs like the training resources for youth program and the help eliminate auto theft program in Manitoba.
Blames Conservative cuts: The NDP criticizes the Conservative party for past budget cuts to the RCMP and CBSA, which they believe have contributed to the current auto theft crisis. They also note that the Conservatives voted against funding for these agencies in December 2023.

Bloc

Supports committee study: The Bloc supports sending the bill to committee for further study and improvements. They are not convinced that Bill C-379 is the answer to the vehicle theft crisis, but acknowledge the severity of the issue.
Against mandatory minimum sentences: The Bloc is inherently against mandatory minimum sentences and the ban on conditional sentences, believing they limit judicial discretion and may not be the best approach for rehabilitation. They prefer to trust judges to adapt sentences based on individual circumstances.
Focus on organized crime: The Bloc believes the primary focus should be on dismantling the criminal organizations behind auto theft, rather than solely punishing individual offenders. They suggest harsher sanctions for crimes committed on behalf of criminal organizations.
Border control and inspection: The Bloc is concerned about the lack of inspection of containers at the Port of Montreal, which facilitates the export of stolen vehicles. They highlight the need for more resources and personnel for the Canada Border Services Agency to effectively control exports.

Liberal

Opposes mandatory minimum penalties: The Liberals oppose the Conservative bill which would increase mandatory minimum sentences for motor vehicle theft. They argue that mandatory minimum penalties do not deter crime, restrict a court's ability to consider unique circumstances, and can be vulnerable to Charter challenges.
Focus on organized crime: The Liberal government believes that one of the main drivers of auto theft is organized crime. They are proposing amendments to the Criminal Code to provide additional tools for law enforcement and prosecutors to address auto theft, target money laundering, and address the use of young people in committing these crimes.
Budget investments: The Liberals are investing in agencies like the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP to disrupt criminal activity, intercept stolen vehicles, and share intelligence. They are also working with Transport Canada to modernize vehicle safety standards and with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to develop innovative solutions to safeguard vehicles.
Stakeholder collaboration: The Liberals emphasize the importance of working with different stakeholders, including provinces, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and the automobile industry, to address the issue of auto theft effectively. They are holding a summit to hear from these stakeholders and have taken action to support them through pre-budget initiatives and budgetary measures.

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Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

Some hon. members

Question.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The question is on the motion.

If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or if a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

Conservative

Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK

I request a recorded vote, please.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

Pursuant to Standing Order 93, the division stands deferred until Wednesday, September 18, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would suggest that we suspend for a few minutes until noon, so we can get things under way under Government Orders.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

Is it agreed?

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Suspension of SittingCombating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 16th, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The House is suspended until noon.

(The sitting of the House was suspended at 11:56 a.m.)

(The House resumed at 12 p.m.)

The House resumed from September 16 consideration of the motion that Bill C-379, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (motor vehicle theft), be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 18th, 2024 / 3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

It being 3:29 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-379 under Private Members' Business.

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #855

Combating Motor Vehicle Theft ActPrivate Members' Business

September 18th, 2024 / 3:40 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

I declare the motion defeated.

I would like to have the members' attention.

As I mentioned in my statement on Monday, September 16, the volume of earpieces will now be reset.

Members using their earpiece at this time will have to readjust the volume. I thank them for paying particular attention to the sound level.