The Insurance Bureau of Canada has expressed support for the federal government’s $1.6 million investment in Canadian-developed technologies aimed at combating the country’s growing auto theft crisis.
Liam McGuinty, vice-president of federal affairs at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), said the announcement marks a meaningful step forward in the national effort to address vehicle crime.
“IBC welcomes Transport Canada’s investment in Canadian innovation to help combat auto theft,” McGuinty said. “Auto theft remains a serious and evolving threat to public safety, and today’s announcement marks another meaningful step in advancing the National Action Plan to Combat Auto Theft and strengthening prevention efforts nationwide.”
McGuinty added that the bureau and its members remain committed to collaborating with government and industry partners to advance evidence-based solutions.
“IBC and its members remain committed to working with government, law enforcement, and industry partners to build on this progress and advance effective, evidence-based solutions that reduce auto theft, enhance public safety and strengthen Canada’s response to this ongoing crisis,” he said.
The investment was announced Wednesday by the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, minister of transport and leader of the government in the House of Commons. It is delivered through the Vehicle Theft Prevention Challenge under the Innovative Solutions Canada program, developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Three Canadian companies were selected for funding to develop prototype technologies designed to detect, deter, and disrupt auto theft. Carmodity Ltd., of Toronto, is developing a miniaturized device that can disable vehicle components upon theft detection. Also based in Toronto, Steel Mirror Inc. is working on an AI-powered steering wheel locking device that monitors for tampering, towing, and alarms. Audesse Automotive Inc. of Kitchener, Ont., is developing a smart automotive switch that prevents unauthorized vehicle starts by communicating with a driver’s phone.
The three firms were chosen from a pool of 88 submissions received during the first phase of the challenge. Eight proposals were initially identified as best meeting the objectives, and three were ultimately selected to proceed to prototype development and testing.
MacKinnon said the investment is aimed at disrupting a crime linked to organized networks.
“We are investing in Canadian innovation to help detect, deter, and disrupt vehicle theft, a serious issue linked to organized crime,” MacKinnon said. “Your work is helping to bring practical tools forward, to better protect Canadians and support law enforcement efforts across the country.”
“Innovative Solutions Canada supports Canadian small and medium-sized businesses in developing solutions to pressing national challenges, including efforts to prevent and combat auto theft,” The Honourable Mélanie Joly, minister of industry, said. “Today’s announcement advances Canadian technologies that enhance public safety and support the government’s Buy Canadian approach, while promoting innovation and commercialization to build a more resilient economy and domestic supply chains.”
Once prototypes are developed, each company will be responsible for independently commercializing and bringing their technologies to market.
The National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft was first developed following the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft in February 2024, at which the Government of Canada committed to launching a challenge to enhance protection against vehicle theft.
