SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-379

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 13, 2024
Combating Motor Vehicle Theft Act
  • This bill, called the Combating Motor Vehicle Theft Act, aims to address the issue of motor vehicle theft in Canada. It proposes several amendments to the Criminal Code. Firstly, it suggests increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for a third or subsequent motor vehicle theft offense. This means that individuals who repeatedly commit motor vehicle theft will face longer prison sentences. Secondly, the bill states that when sentencing someone for a motor vehicle theft offense, the court must consider the fact that the offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization. This recognizes the involvement of criminal organizations in motor vehicle theft and aims to deter their activities. Lastly, the bill restricts the possibility of a person convicted of a motor vehicle theft offense from being subject to a conditional sentence order. This means that individuals convicted of motor vehicle theft will not be eligible for alternative forms of punishment like community service or house arrest. The bill acknowledges the increasing rate of motor vehicle theft in Canada and aims to deter and prevent such crimes.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-379: Motor vehicle theft has become a significant issue in Canada, with a 34% increase in theft rates since 2015. In 2023 alone, a motor vehicle was stolen every six minutes in the country. This rise in theft incidents is not limited to a specific region, as the city of Toronto saw a tripling of reported incidents between 2015 and 2023, reaching over 12,000 cases per year. One concerning aspect of this trend is the involvement of criminal organizations in motor vehicle theft. These organizations often export the stolen vehicles, contributing to a broader network of criminal activities. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Parliament has deemed it a matter of national concern and prioritizes deterring and preventing motor vehicle theft in Canada. Bill C-379 aims to address this problem by amending the Criminal Code. The proposed amendment increases the minimum term of imprisonment for a third or subsequent motor vehicle theft offense, ensuring that repeat offenders face more severe consequences. By doing so, the bill aims to deter individuals from engaging in motor vehicle theft repeatedly. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of considering the involvement of criminal organizations when imposing sentences for motor vehicle theft offenses. This provision aligns with the broader objective of disrupting and dismantling these organizations by targeting their involvement in specific crimes. By giving 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, the bill aims to address the root causes of motor vehicle theft and disrupt the networks involved. Furthermore, the bill restricts the possibility of a person convicted of a motor vehicle theft offense from being subject to a conditional sentence order. This limitation ensures that individuals convicted of such offenses serve their sentences in a custodial setting, which can act as a stronger deterrent and prevent potential reoffending. In summary, Bill C-379 acknowledges the alarming increase in motor vehicle theft in Canada and seeks to address this issue through stricter penalties for repeat offenders, consideration of criminal organization involvement, and limitations on conditional sentence orders. By implementing these measures, the bill aims to deter motor vehicle theft, disrupt criminal organizations, and protect the public from the negative consequences associated with this type of crime.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-379: While the intention behind Bill C-379 may be to address the issue of motor vehicle theft in Canada, there are concerns regarding the approach taken and the potential consequences of this legislation. Here are some right-wing anti-government talking points that can be used to argue against this bill: 1. Individual Liberty: This bill increases the minimum term of imprisonment for motor vehicle theft, limiting the discretion of judges to consider individual circumstances. It infringes upon the principle of individual liberty by imposing harsher penalties without taking into account the unique circumstances of each case. 2. Overreach of Government: The government's role should be limited to protecting citizens from harm and ensuring the rule of law. By increasing penalties and restricting judicial discretion, this bill expands the reach of government into the lives of individuals, potentially leading to an overbearing and intrusive state. 3. Criminal Organizations: While it is acknowledged that motor vehicle theft is increasingly associated with criminal organizations, it is important to address the root causes of this issue rather than solely focusing on punishment. This bill fails to address the underlying factors that contribute to the rise of criminal organizations and their involvement in motor vehicle theft. 4. Ineffectiveness of Harsher Penalties: There is a lack of evidence to suggest that increasing penalties for motor vehicle theft will effectively deter criminals. Studies have shown that the certainty of punishment, rather than the severity, is a more effective deterrent. Instead of focusing on longer prison sentences, resources should be allocated towards improving law enforcement capabilities and implementing preventive measures. 5. Disproportionate Impact: Harsher penalties disproportionately affect marginalized communities and individuals with limited resources. This bill fails to consider the potential social and economic factors that contribute to motor vehicle theft, further exacerbating existing inequalities within the criminal justice system. 6. Alternative Approaches: Instead of relying solely on punitive measures, alternative approaches such as community-based programs, rehabilitation, and education should be explored. These approaches have shown promise in addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and reducing recidivism rates. In conclusion, while the issue of motor vehicle theft needs to be addressed, Bill C-379's approach of increasing penalties and limiting judicial discretion raises concerns about individual liberty, government overreach, and the effectiveness of punitive measures. A more comprehensive and balanced approach that considers the underlying causes of motor vehicle theft is necessary to effectively combat this issue.
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • Passed