MP seeks Criminal Code change to cover theft of fire equipment
SALMON ARM, B.C. — The MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap is looking to change Canada’s Criminal Code to include a specific offence for theft of firefighting equipment that causes danger to life.
Mel Arnold has tabled a private member’s bill that has received first reading in the House of Commons.
The bill, C-365, proposes a new specific offence for theft of firefighting equipment that causes danger to life. Arnold’s bill also proposes to establish mischief related to firefighting equipment as an aggravating circumstance while the third component of the bill proposes a sentencing objective for theft of firefighting equipment.
He says he was shocked to hear about equipment being stolen and vandalized during BC’s record wildfire season.