Bill S-9 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
This bill amends the Criminal Code to create new offences and penalties for auto theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers, and trafficking in or possessing property obtained by crime.
Bill S-9, also known as the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act, amends the Criminal Code of Canada to introduce new offences and penalties related to auto theft and trafficking in property obtained through crime. Specifically, it creates new offences for motor vehicle theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers, trafficking in property obtained by crime, and possessing such property for the purpose of trafficking. It also prohibits the import and export of property obtained by crime. The bill also makes consequential amendments to other sections of the Criminal Code related to the seizure and forfeiture of property and the joinder of charges.
- Creates new criminal offences related to motor vehicle theft.
- Creates new criminal offences related to altering, removing, or obliterating a vehicle identification number.
- Defines 'traffic' to include selling, giving, transferring, transporting, exporting, importing, sending, delivering, or offering to do any of these acts concerning property obtained by crime.
- Creates new criminal offences for trafficking in property obtained by crime.
- Creates new criminal offences for possessing property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking.
- Prohibits the import and export of property obtained by crime.
- Establishes penalties for these new offences, with different penalties based on the value of the property involved.
- Amends existing provisions in the Criminal Code concerning the definition of 'offence' for the purposes of lawful access to enable electronic surveillance.
- Amends provisions related to proceeds of crime, seizures, and restitution orders.
- Makes consequential amendments to other sections of the Criminal Code.
- Individuals who commit motor vehicle theft.
- Individuals who alter, remove, or obliterate vehicle identification numbers.
- Individuals involved in trafficking property obtained by crime.
- Individuals possessing property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking.
- Law enforcement agencies involved in investigating and prosecuting these offences.
- The justice system, including courts and correctional services.
- Individuals involved in the import or export of property obtained by crime.
- Individuals have the right to not have their vehicle identification numbers altered without lawful excuse.
- Individuals have the right to be free from trafficking in property obtained by crime.
- Individuals are obligated not to commit motor vehicle theft.
- Individuals are obligated not to traffic in or possess property obtained by crime for trafficking.
- Individuals are obligated not to alter or remove vehicle identification numbers without lawful excuse.
- Royal Assent was received on November 18, 2010.
- Most provisions of the Act come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
- The penalties for trafficking in or possessing property obtained by crime depend on the value of the subject matter of the offence, with higher penalties for amounts over $5,000.
- Motor vehicle theft is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years on indictment, or up to 18 months on summary conviction. A minimum of six months imprisonment applies for a third or subsequent offence on indictment.
- Tampering with a vehicle identification number is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years on indictment, or by summary conviction.
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime, or possessing it for trafficking, is punishable by imprisonment for up to 14 years if the value of the property exceeds $5,000. If the value does not exceed $5,000, penalties are up to five years imprisonment on indictment or by summary conviction.
- The specific date or dates on which most provisions of the Act come into force are to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council and are not specified in the bill text.
- The bill does not specify the exact maximum penalties for summary conviction offences where a specific term is not mentioned, only that it is 'punishable on summary conviction'.
- The definition of 'property obtained by crime' is based on the commission of an indictable offence in Canada or an act or omission elsewhere that would constitute an indictable offence if it occurred in Canada, but the specific types of property are not exhaustively listed.
- An exception exists for altering vehicle identification numbers during regular maintenance or legitimate repairs/modifications.
Introduces new offences for motor vehicle theft (section 333.1), tampering with vehicle identification numbers (section 353.1), trafficking in property obtained by crime (section 355.2), and possession of property obtained by crime for trafficking (section 355.4). It also modifies definitions and procedures related to these offences and their penalties.
Source: Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Adds motor vehicle theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers, trafficking in property obtained by crime, and possession of property obtained by crime for trafficking to the list of offences for which lawful access provisions (related to electronic surveillance) apply.
Source: Section 2
Amends provisions related to the proceeds of crime, including how offences are defined in relation to property obtained by crime and exceptions to certain provisions.
Source: Sections 7, 8, 9
Amends provisions related to photographic evidence of property seized in relation to certain offences, including the new offences created by this bill.
Source: Section 10
Amends provisions related to the joinder of charges, allowing multiple individuals to be charged in the same indictment for certain offences, including those related to possession of property obtained by crime.
Source: Section 11
Includes a coordinating amendment to account for potential changes from Bill C-16 regarding house arrest for serious offenders, specifically linking motor vehicle theft to eligibility for certain provisions.
Source: Section 12
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A legislative summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 4 May 2010, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime) (Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act) in the Senate and it was given first reading. The bill amends the Criminal Code • to create a separate offence of "theft of a motor vehicle", which would carry a mandatory prison sentence of 6 months for conviction of a third or subsequent indictable offence; • to establish a new offence for altering, destroying or removing a vehicle identification number (VIN); • to make it an offence to traffic in property obtained by crime; and • to make the possession of such property for the purpose of trafficking an offence. In addition, these amendments would provide for the application of customs powers to allow the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and prevent stolen property from leaving the country.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill S-9, concerning auto theft and trafficking in stolen property, completed its first reading in the Senate on May 4, 2010, and later received royal assent on November 18, 2010.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-9 in the Senate on May 4, 2010. The first reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The bill's full title is 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime)'. The artifact notes that this bill eventually received royal assent on November 18, 2010, and became chapter 14 of the Statutes of Canada 2010. It also lists subsequent procedural stages the bill went through in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including second reading, consideration in committee, and third reading, as well as the dates these occurred.
On May 4, 2010, the Senate held its first reading of Bill S-9, addressed various societal issues in Senators' Statements and Question Period, and continued debates on freedom of speech, dementia's impact, environmental rights, and mass atrocity remembrance.
This record details a Senate sitting on May 4, 2010. The sitting included a silent tribute to Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake, statements by Senators on child and youth mental health, National Hospice Palliative Care Week, and the Canadian Navy's centennial. Routine proceedings involved tabling documents and the first reading of Bill S-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime). The sitting also included Question Period on various topics, followed by Orders of the Day which featured debates on existing bills and motions, including the adoption of motions to strike a Special Committee on Anti-terrorism and to refer documents to a committee studying a bill on suicide bombings. The debate on the erosion of freedom of speech and the impact of dementia on Canadian society continued. An inquiry into the relationship between the environment and human rights was also initiated, and a motion to establish a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Mass Atrocities was debated.
This artifact details the Senate's second reading of Bill S-9, which involved initial debate and referral to committee, and subsequent stages including third reading.
The Senate began the second reading stage of Bill S-9 on May 6, 2010, with a speech from Senator John D. Wallace and a response from Senator Larry W. Campbell. The process involved further consideration and speeches on May 26, 2010, leading to the bill being referred to a committee. The bill later returned to the Senate for further readings and amendments.
On May 6, 2010, the Senate held a sitting that included the beginning of a second reading debate on Bill S-9, aimed at addressing auto theft and trafficking in stolen property, though the debate was adjourned.
This record details a sitting of the Senate on May 6, 2010. While the sitting included statements on various topics, committee reports, and discussions on other bills, a significant portion of the 'Orders of the Day' section is dedicated to the second reading debate of Bill S-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime). The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not concluded on this date. The debate record indicates that the bill aims to create new offences related to motor vehicle theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and trafficking in property obtained by crime, with proposed penalties and specific considerations for repeat offenders. The debate highlighted the ongoing issues of auto theft in Canada, its financial impact, and its connection to organized crime. Other proceedings in the sitting included the tabling of various committee reports and discussions on unrelated matters. The bill itself, Bill S-9, had not yet received Royal Assent at the time of this debate, but the current status provided indicates Royal Assent was eventually received.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-9, the sponsor explained the bill's aim to create new offences related to auto theft and trafficking in stolen property, after which the debate was adjourned.
On May 6, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-9, an act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and property obtained by crime. The sponsor of the bill, Senator John D. Wallace, spoke in favour of the legislation, explaining its purpose and key provisions. The debate was adjourned at the end of the sitting, meaning it was not concluded on that day.
The Senate debated and passed Bill S-9 at second reading, referring it to committee, and engaged in other procedural business including tabling reports and debating other matters.
This Senate sitting on May 26, 2010, included proceedings related to Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The Senate debated and passed Bill S-9 at its second reading, referring it to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further study. The sitting also included various other discussions and reports, such as the tabling of the Commissioner of Official Languages' annual report, proposed legislation on securities regulation, and the tabling of Supplementary Estimates (A). There were also debates on other bills and inquiries, including the Canada-Russia Friendship Day Bill, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Bill, and discussions on climate change policy, the Church of Scientology, and the importance of the Acadian flag.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-9 concerning auto theft and property crime, Senator Larry W. Campbell supported the bill but called for updated statistics and further justification for minimum sentencing before it moved to committee.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-9, Senator Larry W. Campbell spoke as the critic for the bill. He noted that Bill S-9 is similar to a previous bill, S-26, that was reviewed by the Senate in the last session. Senator Campbell supported the bill, stating it would give law enforcement more tools to combat auto theft and organized crime. He mentioned that auto theft costs Canadians over $1.2 billion annually but also noted a recent decline in such crimes due to police efforts. While supporting the bill's progression to committee, Senator Campbell suggested that newer statistics should be used in its study and that more evidence should support the proposed minimum sentencing for repeat offenders. The motion to adopt the bill at second reading was agreed to, and the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further study.
Bill S-9 completed its committee examination stage in the Senate on June 3, 2010.
This record indicates that Bill S-9, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime, completed the 'Senate Consideration in committee' stage on June 3, 2010. This stage involved multiple sittings where the bill was examined by a committee.
During a Senate sitting on June 3, 2010, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee presented its report on Bill S-9, indicating it was reported without amendment and scheduled for third reading.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on June 3, 2010. It details various proceedings, including Senators' Statements on diverse topics, the tabling of reports, and debates on several bills. Specifically concerning Bill S-9, 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime)', the Senate's Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its sixth report, stating they had examined the bill and reported it without amendment. The report was then placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
The Senate's third reading of Bill S-9, concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime, was completed on June 8, 2010, as a procedural step before the bill received royal assent later that year.
This artifact marks the completion of the third reading stage of Bill S-9 in the Senate on June 8, 2010. This stage is a procedural step in the legislative process where a bill is considered for final approval before potentially moving to another chamber or receiving royal assent. The provided text also notes that the bill eventually received royal assent on November 18, 2010, becoming chapter 14 of the Statutes of Canada 2010. The artifact does not contain the full text of the bill or details of the debate during the third reading, but lists it as a completed stage.
The Senate debated and passed Bill S-9, concerning auto theft and VIN alteration, on division after discussing concerns raised by law enforcement regarding enforcement challenges with the bill's proposed exemptions.
On June 8, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-9 at its third reading. The debate focused on the bill's provisions concerning vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and potential challenges in enforcing the law, particularly concerning legitimate vehicle modifications. While the bill aims to combat auto theft and trafficking, concerns were raised by police representatives about specific exemptions potentially hindering convictions. The Senate ultimately passed the bill on division, allowing the House of Commons to conduct further review.
Bill S-9, concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on June 10, 2010.
This artifact records the first reading of Bill S-9 in the House of Commons on June 10, 2010. First reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced to the House. This specific artifact indicates that this stage was completed.
This House of Commons sitting record from June 10, 2010, details the first reading of multiple bills, including Bill S-9 concerning auto theft and trafficking, alongside various other procedural matters and debates during the day's session.
This artifact is a record of a House of Commons sitting on June 10, 2010. It documents the first reading debate for several bills, including Bill S-9, which proposed amendments to the Criminal Code regarding auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The sitting also included discussions on routine proceedings, the business of supply, statements by members, oral questions, points of order, and adjournment proceedings. The record itself does not contain the text of the bills, but rather summarizes the procedural events and debates that occurred during the sitting.
The House of Commons completed its second reading of Bill S-9 on October 25, 2010, agreeing to its principles and referring it to committee, before it later received Royal Assent.
This artifact records the House of Commons' second reading stage for Bill S-9, which occurred on October 25, 2010. The record indicates that at this stage, the bill was "Agreed to" and then referred to committee. This means that the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons debated and approved the general principles of the bill before sending it for more detailed examination by a committee. The artifact also notes that the bill eventually received Royal Assent on November 18, 2010, becoming chapter 14 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010. The source text also lists related bills, C-26 and C-53, which had similar titles.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-9 in the House of Commons, Members discussed proposed amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at deterring auto theft and property crime through new offences and penalties.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on October 5, 2010, concerning Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code related to auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The debate at the second reading stage involved several Members of Parliament discussing the provisions of the bill, including the creation of new offences for motor vehicle theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and trafficking in property obtained by crime. They also discussed the penalties associated with these offences and the potential impact on public safety and crime rates. The debate touched upon the effectiveness of mandatory minimum penalties and the need for resources to support law enforcement in combating these crimes.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-9, an act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and trafficking of stolen property, before it was referred to committee.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-9, an act to amend the Criminal Code related to auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. This debate occurred during the second reading stage of the bill. The bill had previously been introduced and debated in Parliament, but was revived as Bill S-9 after the previous Parliament was prorogued. Members of Parliament from various parties spoke, discussing the nature of auto theft, the effectiveness of current and proposed measures, and the need for federal action. The debate also touched on the importance of prevention programs and the resources needed for enforcement. Ultimately, the bill was read the second time and referred to a committee for further study.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on October 25, 2010, Members discussed Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime, debating its proposed measures and their potential effectiveness.
On October 25, 2010, during the second reading debate in the House of Commons, Members discussed Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The debate primarily focused on the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, including creating new offences and penalties related to vehicle identification numbers, selling or possessing property obtained by crime, and trafficking in such property. Members also discussed the effectiveness of these measures in combating auto theft and organized crime, with various parties expressing support for the bill's intent while also raising concerns about its scope, potential impacts on the justice system, and the need for additional resources for crime prevention. The debate also touched on broader economic issues, the role of corporate tax rates, and government spending. The artifact does not contain information about the final outcome of the bill or its subsequent stages in the legislative process.
Bill S-9 completed its committee stage in the House of Commons on October 27, 2010.
This record indicates that Bill S-9 completed its 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons on October 27, 2010. This stage is part of the legislative process where a bill is examined in detail by a committee.
This Hansard record from October 27, 2010, details House of Commons proceedings including committee report presentations, statements by members, and oral questions on various issues, with Bill S-9 being reported without amendment by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
On October 27, 2010, the House of Commons was engaged in the "Consideration in committee" stage for Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. The Hansard record for this sitting details various statements by members, oral questions on a range of topics including national defence, public works, government spending, and justice, as well as routine proceedings such as the introduction of bills and the presentation of petitions and committee reports. Specifically, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights reported Bill S-9 back to the House without amendment. The sitting also included numerous divisions (votes) on various private members' business bills and motions unrelated to Bill S-9. The artifact is a record of the sitting's proceedings, not the full text of Bill S-9.
The House of Commons completed its Report stage for Bill S-9 on November 5, 2010, after which the bill received Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-9, which took place on November 5, 2010. This stage was completed. The bill later received Royal Assent on November 18, 2010, becoming chapter 14 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010.
The House of Commons concluded the report stage and passed Bill S-9, the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act, after debate, alongside other parliamentary business.
During this sitting of the House of Commons, Members debated Bill S-9, the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act. The House agreed to a motion to concur in the bill at report stage and then proceed to third reading. Following a brief debate, the House agreed to a motion to read the bill a third time and pass it. The sitting also included a point of order regarding a previous bill (Bill C-568) and its requirement for a royal recommendation, various statements by members on a range of topics, and oral questions focusing on national defence, ethical standards of government members, taxation, and the G8/G20 summits.
The House of Commons completed the Third reading stage for Bill S-9 on November 5, 2010, and agreed to the bill.
This artifact describes the completion of the Third reading stage for Bill S-9 in the House of Commons on November 5, 2010. This stage is a final opportunity for the House to approve a bill before it moves to the next step in the legislative process. The record indicates that the stage was 'Agreed to,' meaning the House approved the bill at this stage.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-9, the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act, at its third reading on November 5, 2010, with members discussing various aspects of the proposed legislation.
This document is a record of the House of Commons sitting on November 5, 2010. It details the debate and procedural steps related to Bill S-9, the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act. The House proceeded with the third reading and passage of the bill, with various members from different parties contributing to the discussion. The debate covered the specific provisions of the bill, including new offences for motor vehicle theft, tampering with vehicle identification numbers, and trafficking in property obtained by crime. Members also discussed the effectiveness of the proposed sanctions, including mandatory minimum sentences, and the role of law enforcement agencies.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced