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)

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ind.)

Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank the voters of Surrey North for returning me to this place. I am inspired by the confidence they have shown in me.

My purpose for rising today is to commend the residents of Surrey and our law enforcement community for being diligent and working together to curb auto theft in our city.

Members may be aware from past comments in this place that in recent years Surrey has suffered some of the highest rates of auto theft in North America.

Our police point out that residents have played a key role in reducing the problem by locking their vehicles, ensuring that nothing of value is left in them and using anti-theft devices.

For their part, the police have implemented a number of programs, not the least of which is the use of bait cars, a strategy which has proven exceptionally effective. They have also turned up the heat on repeat offenders.

The substantial decrease in auto theft in Surrey in the first half of this year shows us that a community working together can make a difference.

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ind.)

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-230, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (street racing).

Mr. Speaker, since this is my first opportunity to rise in this Parliament, I would like to congratulate you on your re-election to the chair. I would also like to thank the constituents of Surrey North for the confidence they have shown in me since 1997 by returning me here.

Street racing continues to kill or seriously injure innocent people in Canada.

I am reintroducing this legislation to amend the Criminal Code specifically to provide that street racing is to be considered an aggravating factor for the purposes of sentencing a person convicted of dangerous operation of, or criminal negligence involving a motor vehicle.

In addition, the bill provides that any person convicted under these provisions who was involved in street racing must be subject to a regime of mandatory national driving prohibitions ranging from one year to life, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.

The bill received broad support in the last Parliament and I hope that will continue to be the case.

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

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present a petition signed by over 500 of my constituents. The petitioners call upon Parliament to immediately reaffirm, as it did in 1999, the commitment to take all necessary steps to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, CPC)

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-513, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (candidate selection).

Mr. Speaker, in response to the hundreds of communications from Surrey North constituents and many others across Canada, I introduce on their behalf an amendment to the Canada Elections Act.

Canadians are growing increasingly concerned about the mass signing up of thousands of members of special interest or ethnic groups in the riding associations, simply to secure nominations. Many instant members have little or no idea of in what they are participating. Many colleagues here have expressed the same concern from all sides of the House.

Canadians should participate, but this practice of instant membership risks distorting the electoral process. In many cases, instant members, who are ineligible to vote, whether for reason of age or citizenship, effectively choose election candidates. This bill aims to address those concerns.

Despite years of warning signs, political parties have shown no appetite to police themselves in this regard. Therefore, I believe it is time for Parliament to act.

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