Newsletter - feb. 21, 2024
Our government is committed to the well-being and safety of Canadians and protecting their property. The rise in auto thefts in recent years is alarming – impacting thousands of Canadians every year and threatening the safety of our communities, including right here in Oakville and Halton.
In response to this, earlier this month our government held the National Summit on Combating Auto Theft, which brought provincial, territorial and municipal government officials, industry leaders and law enforcement representatives together to tackle this problem.
During the summit, we announced that we are taking immediate action by investing $53 million to help Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) conduct more investigations of stolen vehicles, and $28 million to enhance the CBSA’s collaboration and information sharing capabilities to identify and arrest those committing the crimes. The lucrative nature of auto theft serves as a financial resource for gangs to sustain their criminal activity and influence at risk youth. To combat this, our government has provided $250 million to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support gun and gang violence prevention and intervention programs for gang members, children, young adults and youth-at-risk through the Building Safer Communities Fund. Furthermore, the Department of Justice Canada will examine potential amendments to the criminal code that can further strengthen the legal framework related to auto theft.
Police continue to collaborate across jurisdictions to tackle this challenge, and we are seeing results. For example, the CBSA intercepted over 1,800 stolen vehicles in 2023. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) also launched a Regional Auto Theft Task Force in 2023, which has recovered almost 400 stolen vehicles, arrested more than 50 individuals, and laid almost 240 related criminal charges in its first four months of operation. To further support the auto recovery efforts of local law enforcement agencies, our government is investing an additional $15 million to support collaboration across jurisdictions, including internationally. Going forward, I will continue to collaborate with Chief Tanner and the HRPS on initiatives to combat auto theft, while continuing to safeguard our Oakville community.
Through collaborative partnerships, technological innovation, and proactive enforcement strategies, our government will always remain steadfast in our efforts to put an end to auto theft while prioritizing the safety and welfare of Canadians.
Project Arrow on Display at The Canadian International Auto Show:
Yesterday, I spent some time with Flavio Volpe at the Canadian Auto Show to discuss the zero-emission concept vehicle “Project Arrow.” Launched by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. Project Arrow is an all-Canadian effort designed and built by our world-class auto supply sector and post-secondary institutions.
Canadian International Auto Show:
This week, I joined my colleagues Francesco Sorbara, Sonia Sidhu, and Ruby Sahota at the Canadian International Auto Show. We met with Canadian auto manufacturers and other stakeholders who are bringing investments & jobs to Oakville & across Canada. We have, and will continue to support Canada’s auto sector.
Electrical Vehicle Chargers in Oakville:
Innovators like Jule Power and Longo's Brothers Fruit Markets Inc. are driving us to net zero. Yesterday we announced federal funding for 7 level 3 electrical vehicle chargers in Oakville. We also reaffirmed our commitment to fund 42,000 electrical vehicle stations, 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Family Day with The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton:
This week, I spent family day with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and the Nigerian community of Halton at an art exhibition, with steelpan, delicious food, music and lots of activities. It was great to see the families having fun and making cherished memories together!
Book Launch in Oakville:
Olamidotun Votu-Obada decided to settle in Oakville with her family & while working & raising her children, she started writing children’s books. I was honored to join her in launching her books & her writing career!
Celebrating Lunar New Year At Oakville Town Hall:
The Oakville Town Hall was packed over the weekend as our community came together to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The lion dance & other incredible performances highlighted the rich diversity of our community.
Visit to CD Howe Institute:
It was great to be back at the CD Howe Institute last week to discuss Canada’s economic resilience, supports for Canadians and the government’s spending review. I Look forward to more conversations in the future.
Celebrating Lunar New Year On The Hill:
I was thrilled to welcome 24 constituents from Oakville to celebrate Lunar New Year with Canadians from across the country in Ottawa! I can’t imagine a better way to ring in the new year and celebrate new beginnings than alongside community members and friends!
Annual General Meeting In Halifax:
Exciting times at the Nova Scotia Liberal Party's AGM in Halifax ! It was so great to be back in the province where I was born and raised, connecting with our Liberal family on women's politics, engaging the youth, and how we can continue delivering for all Nova Scotians.