June 27, 2007
No-Cost Immobilizers Required For Highest-Risk Vehicles
– – –Provincial and Federal Programs Aim to Reduce Theft, Enhance Public Safety; MPI to Co-ordinate Installations with Renewal Dates
Manitoba will become the first province in Canada to use electronic immobilizers to protect the majority of vehicles against auto theft under federal and provincial changes that take effect Sept. 1.
Attorney General Dave Chomiak announced today that, beginning in September, Manitobans who own most-at-risk (MaR) vehicles and drive primarily in Winnipeg will be required to install electronic immobilizers before they can renew their registration and insurance.
The new provincial regulations will coincide with new federal requirements that require anti-theft immobilizers to be installed in all new cars, vans and light trucks including sport utility vehicles built after Sept. 1, 2007, for sale in Canada.
“We share Ottawa’s vision to reduce auto theft and enhance safety in our neighbourhoods,” Chomiak said. “The goal is to meet in the middle and become the first province in Canada to protect the majority of its vehicles from theft with immobilizers.”
While the Transport Canada requirement protects new vehicles from auto theft, the provincial program focuses on protecting older vehicles with aftermarket immobilizers. Chomiak pointed out that MaR vehicles accounted for more than half of thefts reported in Manitoba last year.
In announcing the regulatory changes to the Highway Traffic Act, Chomiak noted auto theft figures have declined in recent months but said the province will continue to take action to protect communities.
“We have all seen the devastation caused by reckless auto thieves who have a complete disregard for public safety,” said Chomiak, adding that Manitoba will continue to press Ottawa to toughen up Canada’s auto theft laws, particularly as they apply to youths.
The regulations affect 47,000 vehicles in Winnipeg and vehicles that commute to the city regularly. These vehicles are twice as likely to be stolen as the average vehicle in Winnipeg, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data.
Manitoba Public Insurance will allocate more than $15 million to provide vehicle owners with an immobilizer at no cost and a standard installation. The corporation will also manage the installation process that will be phased in over the year according to Manitobans’ renewal dates.
To ensure a smooth transition, Manitoba Public Insurance will notify owners of most-at-risk vehicles well in advance of their renewal dates with details on arranging an installation appointment. The corporation will allow an extended grace period in the early stages of the program to accommodate exceptional situations such as the vehicle owner being posted overseas or the vehicle being used by a Manitoba student in another province.
In addition to paying for the immobilizer and a standard installation, Manitoba Public Insurance will also provide five years interest-free financing for any additional costs if the vehicle has a remote starter system. It will also provide an annual $40 insurance discount.
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) president and chief executive officer Marilyn McLaren noted the immobilizer program pays Manitobans to participate. Vehicle owners affected by the change can receive an $80 discount this year – $40 when they first install an immobilizer prior to their renewal and then $40 when their renewal is complete.
McLaren said more than 66,000 Manitobans have voluntarily come forward over the last two years to protect their older vehicles from theft.
“Most-at-risk vehicles continue to account for the lion’s share of thefts in Winnipeg and they need to be protected,” she said. “An approved immobilizer has proven to be the most effective way to stop thieves in their tracks – in Manitoba, in Canada and in more than a dozen countries around the world.”
“In partnership with MPI and other stakeholders, we’ve made significant progress in curbing auto theft,” said Winnipeg Police Service Deputy Chief Menno Zacharias, on behalf of Chief Jack Ewatski. “This new step, along with a recent increase in staffing of our Stolen Auto Unit and adoption of the CrimeStat philosophy of targeted attention to crime, is building on an effective crime reduction strategy.”
Manitoba Public Insurance has contacted all of the affected owners of MaR vehicles at least once in the last year to advise them of the no-cost voluntary immobilizer program. Many of these owners have been contacted up to seven times over the last two years. Anyone can find out if their vehicle is on the MaR list and if they are required to install an immobilizer before they renew by going to http://www.mpi.mb.ca.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Vehicle Immobilizers In Manitoba - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/Immobilizers.JS.MPI.1doc.doc
Immobilizer Quality Care Program - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/Immobilizers.JS.MPI.2doc.doc