The Government of Canada has announced plans to combat the increasing number of auto thefts. In a recent addition to Transport Canada's forward regulatory plan for April 2024 to April 2026, Transport Canada is considering new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act that would update the theft protection, rollaway prevention, and immobilization system requirements in Canada's motor vehicle safety standards ("CMVSS").1

This addition to the forward regulatory plan follows a recent "National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft."2 The summit was attended by various Ministers, Canadian law enforcement entities, global automakers, insurance industry representatives, and auto associations.3

Stakeholders interested in sharing their opinions can do so during the public consultation period on the Let's Talk Transportation online platform sometime in 2024. No further details are available at this time. McMillan will continue to provide updates as Transport Canada takes further steps towards amending or adding anti-theft requirements to the CMVSS.

Footnotes

1. See "Road safety initiatives planned for April 2024-April 2026" Transport Canada Forward regulatory Plan (April 4, 2024) Road safety initiatives planned for April 2024 – April 2026 (canada.ca) and Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, Schedule IV s 114.

2. For more information on the program see "National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft" Public Safety Canada (February 8, 2024).

3. For more information on the program see "National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft" Public Safety Canada (February 8, 2024) and "News Release: Government of Canada hosts National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft" Public Safety Canada (February 8, 2024).

The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2024