2008-01 (January)

BLAINE CALKINS MP REPORT

January 21, 2008

Identity Theft

Canadians are concerned about becoming victims of identity theft, which has been identified as one of the fastest growing problems in North America and one that easily crosses borders.

Organized crime and modern technology are changing the criminal landscape. New and rapidly-evolving technologies are making identity theft easier than ever. It is estimated that identity theft may cost Canadian consumers, banks and credit card firms, stores and other businesses more than $2 billion annually.

The use of identity information of another person, generally referred to as identity fraud, is covered by current offences in the Criminal Code, such as impersonation and forgery. But identity theft, the preparatory steps of collecting, possessing or trafficking in identity information, is generally not captured by existing offences.

Canadians are entitled to have their identities and personal information protected to the highest degree possible. As part of our Government’s action to strengthen the criminal justice system, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson recently introduced legislation (Bill C- 27) to combat this complex, serious and growing problem. It will protect Canadians from identity theft by giving police the tools they need to stop this activity before the damage is done.

It would create the following three offences directly targeting aspects of the identity theft problem, all subject to five-year maximum sentences:

• obtaining or possessing identity information with intent to use it to commit certain crimes;
• trafficking in identity information with knowledge of, or recklessness, as to its intended use in the commission of certain crime;
• unlawfully possessing and trafficking in government-issued identity documents.

Now that the House of Commons has resumed sitting, you can be sure that our Government will continue to pursue a legislative agenda that will protect Canadians on their streets and in their communities. This is part of our Conservative government’s broader plan to ensure Canada’s long-term growth and to build a stronger, safer, better Canada.

In addition to its plan to protect Canadians against identity theft, the Government of Canada has: introduced

• a National Anti-Drug Strategy, including legislation that would provide mandatory jail time for serious drug crimes;
• tabled legislation to strengthen the Youth Criminal Justice Act ; and announced a comprehensive review of this Act in 2008;
• invested in crime prevention community projects across Canada that target youth;
• passed legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of street racing; and
• passed legislation to end conditional sentences for serious crimes.

If you wish more information on this or any federally related matters, please contact my Constituency office, postage free at: #6, 4612 - 50th Street, Ponoka, T4J 1S7 tel: (403) 783-5530; toll free: 1-800-665-0865 or visit my web site: www.blainecalkinsmp.ca

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