Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ind.)

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian standard for anti-theft vehicle immobilizers is recognized as the best in the world, yet Transport Canada has published its intent to adopt the much weaker European standard that can be compromised by car thieves using the simplest of tools.

The Canadian standard makes it very difficult to steal vehicles as the systems have proven to be almost impossible to compromise.

My question is for the Minister of Transport. Why is Transport Canada considering adopting an inferior European system?

Mr. Chuck Cadman

Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the motion.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division)

Mr. Chuck Cadman

Mr. Speaker, I will be opposing the motion.

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ind.)

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-297, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (candidate selection).

Mr. Speaker, in response to a large number of communications from constituents, I am pleased to introduce an amendment to the Canada Elections Act.

There is much concern being expressed about the mass signing up of thousands of members of special interest groups and political party riding associations simply to secure nominations. Many of these instant members have no knowledge of the process in which they are engaging. We want all Canadians to participate but this practice risks distorting the electoral process. In many cases instant party members are ineligible to vote in the actual election for which they effectively choose candidates.

The bill would require a minimum of a one year membership in a party and eligibility to vote in a federal election in order to vote in the candidate selection process.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ind.)

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-287, an act to amend the Criminal Code (vehicle identification number).

Mr. Speaker, I am reintroducing my bill to amend the Criminal Code with respect to auto crime by adding a section that makes tampering with a vehicle identification number, or VIN, a criminal offence. It makes it a criminal offence to alter, deface or remove a vehicle identification number.

For years police have been asking for this. Auto theft is a major problem in many Canadian cities and this simple amendment would provide law enforcement with another tool. Auto crime investigators need a Criminal Code section prohibiting the obliteration, alteration or removal of a vehicle identification number to combat auto theft rings operated by organized crime.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)