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Sister
of Slain Police Officer Leads National June 14, 2001--WINNIPEG--The tragic death of a Sudbury police officer is serving as the catalyst for the formation of Project 6116, a national committee dedicated to reducing auto theft. Project 6116, supported by the Government of Canada and a wide spectrum of public and private sector agencies, will seek solutions to the billion-dollar problem of auto theft in Canada. The initiative will primarily focus its efforts on young people who steal cars. Project 6116 has special significance for Chairperson Marlene Viau, whose brother Sgt. Rick McDonald was killed while on duty by a 16-year-old driving a stolen vehicle in July 1999. That tragedy led Viau to dedicate her efforts to raise the awareness of auto theft and how it affects all Canadians. The initiative was named Project 6116 in memory of Sgt. McDonald's badge number. "Auto theft robs citizens of the right to feel safe and secure in their own communities," said Viau, who met in Winnipeg today with other project members and toured auto theft investigation facilities at Manitoba Public Insurance. "Innocent people like my brother lose their lives or are seriously injured each day in Canada as a result of this crime." The Honourable Anne McLellan, federal minister of justice, said a comprehensive approach to auto theft is essential. "I am pleased the Government of Canada is able to support Project 6116 through the National Strategy on Crime Prevention," said Minister McLellan. "It is through these types of partnerships that we can all work to reducing crime in the first place and dealing with it effectively when it does occur." Project 6116 was given a boost when McLellan appointed Joe Jordan (MP for Leeds-Grenville) and Viau to head a committee which would work with the National Crime Prevention Council and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The council, through the Business Network on Crime Prevention, also provided funding for Project 6116. "I am proud to work with the dedicated police agencies and civilians who are part of Project 6116," said Jordan. "Marlene is absolutely dedicated to this cause and her strength will help guide this program." Barry Ward, a Manitoba Public Insurance Special Investigation Unit investigator with extensive experience in fighting fraud and auto crimes, was introduced today as Project 6116's first Executive Director. Manitoba Public Insurance is making him available as a resource to co-ordinate the day to day operations of the program. "My role will be to help ensure that good ideas about auto theft prevention, deterrence, penalties and proactive initiatives are exchanged across the country," said Ward. "Our ambition is to establish Project 6116 as a national centre to help legislators and others reduce auto theft across Canada." Project 6116 committee members include representatives from the Solicitor General, Federal Justice, Transport and Customs. Also represented are: The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian Police Association, Insurance Bureau of Canada (representing private insurers), Vehicle Information Centre of Canada, auto manufacturers, and public automobile insurers (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Manitoba Public Insurance and Groupement des Assureurs Automobiles). Goals and Objectives of Project 6116 Project 6116 is the first comprehensive effort to co-ordinate the actions of stakeholders who are involved in finding the solution for the social problem of auto theft. The initiative's specific goals are:
Project # 6116 will essentially become a 'Centre of Excellence' for the sharing of auto theft information, prevention and intervention programs aimed at youth, with the ultimate goal of reducing this social problem through the sharing of national information. Contact:
Marlene Viau (613) 258-6640
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