View From the Legislature

Over the past few years, in every jurisdiction in North America, there has been an increase of theft of precious metals. This has resulted in thieves targeting several different items that are made of or use high value precious metals that can be quickly sold for cash. Most recently in Canada and the United States, thieves have targeted catalytic converters, which are stolen off vehicles. This not only causes frustration for vehicle owners, but it also costs Manitoba Public Insurance about $5 million annually.

In every province and every state, a number of initiatives have been tried to reduce and disrupt this theft. The first strategy in disrupting theft is enforcement. Last month, the Winnipeg Police Service spearheaded a significant operation that led to charges against three individuals for allegedly trading in stolen catalytic converters. This followed the raid of a scrap yard outside of Winnipeg. These enforcement efforts are important, and police are to be commended for them. But other strategies are also necessary.

On Monday of this week, I was joined by representatives of the Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP, Crime Stoppers and MPI to launch a multi-pronged effort to disrupt and reduce the theft of precious metals in general and catalytic converters specifically. MPI will be leading a public awareness campaign to help educate Manitobans on things they can do to make their vehicles less susceptible to catalytic converter theft. In addition, they continue to look at other deterrent measures that prove to be effective.

As well, Crime Stoppers is launching a pilot project that will see 30 auto service centres in Winnipeg provide etching service that will allow for the vehicle identification numbers to be etched onto catalytic converters. Police believe that this will help act both as a deterrent and allow for tracing if a theft occurs. The RCMP in Steinbach have also applied for 50 pieces of etching equipment to be distributed in Steinbach for a similar service. Funding is being provided by the provincial criminal property forfeiture fund.

As well, as Minister of Justice, I announced Monday that the new Scrap Metal Act is now in effect and requires, similar to pawn shops in many areas, scrap metal dealers to keep records of those who are selling scrap metal. Additional records and restrictions are required for some items. While this places a greater onus on those who are in the scrap metal business, this is balanced against the need to work to disrupt theft that is both a great cost and a great inconvenience for Manitobans.

While these initiatives and continued enforcement are important, experience tells us they are unlikely to end the theft of precious metals and catalytic convertors. That goal has been elusive across North America. But it is important that we take the measures we can to disrupt the theft and the trade of these items and work to protect Manitobans and their property. I thank the partners who came together on these initiatives along with scrap metal dealers who are also dedicated to ensuring they are not contributing to the trade of stolen items. These collective efforts are appreciated.