Executives from Canadian telecommunications companies have called on senators to impose tougher Criminal Code penalties to combat a growing wave of copper thefts. Blacklock's Reporter says the appeals, made during testimony at the Senate transport and communication committee, highlighted how thieves targeting critical infrastructure are causing widespread disruptions and significant financial losses.“Copper theft is responsible for 88% of the physical security incidents that impact Bell’s network,” testified Michele Austin, vice-president at Bell Canada. She described an alarming 78% increase in copper thefts over the past year, with thieves repeatedly targeting locations like the Lorne Bridge in Brantford, Ontario.“In New Brunswick, we have a big problem along the Trans-Canada Highway near Fredericton and Oromocto, including Canadian Forces Base Gagetown,” Austin explained. She cited a November 19 incident in Miramichi where thieves knocked out both copper and fiber lines, leaving the Miramichi Airport without internet for an entire day. “The cost to Bell for repairs was $30,000,” she said, adding that it took 24 hours to restore service.Under current laws, copper theft is treated as petty theft under $5,000, a classification telecom executives argue is grossly inadequate. “Amend the Criminal Code to classify any willful damage to critical infrastructure as a serious crime,” urged Brian Lakey, vice-president at Telus. “Copper theft is considered as petty theft today. Stronger penalties would act as a deterrent.”Since 2021, Telus has reported that over 170,000 of its customers have lost more than 200 million minutes of telecom service due to copper thefts. Cities such as Mission, Abbotsford, and Calgary have been hit multiple times in 2024, Lakey added.Witnesses also pointed to U.S. legislation for inspiration. Florida’s House Bill 275, enacted in May, imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for copper theft and makes thieves liable for damages exceeding the value of the stolen material. Scrap copper, currently selling for up to $5 per pound, remains a lucrative target for criminals.Eric Smith, vice-president of the Canadian Telecommunications Association, stressed the disparity between the damage caused and the penalties imposed. “The value of stolen copper is often quite low, resulting in charges of theft under $5,000,” said Smith. “This is the same charge leveled against someone caught stealing a bicycle, yet the consequences of copper theft are much greater.”Parliamentarians have made multiple attempts to strengthen penalties for copper theft since 2014, but those efforts have yet to succeed. With the growing impact on critical infrastructure, telecom leaders are urging immediate legislative action to protect their networks and customers.
Executives from Canadian telecommunications companies have called on senators to impose tougher Criminal Code penalties to combat a growing wave of copper thefts. Blacklock's Reporter says the appeals, made during testimony at the Senate transport and communication committee, highlighted how thieves targeting critical infrastructure are causing widespread disruptions and significant financial losses.“Copper theft is responsible for 88% of the physical security incidents that impact Bell’s network,” testified Michele Austin, vice-president at Bell Canada. She described an alarming 78% increase in copper thefts over the past year, with thieves repeatedly targeting locations like the Lorne Bridge in Brantford, Ontario.“In New Brunswick, we have a big problem along the Trans-Canada Highway near Fredericton and Oromocto, including Canadian Forces Base Gagetown,” Austin explained. She cited a November 19 incident in Miramichi where thieves knocked out both copper and fiber lines, leaving the Miramichi Airport without internet for an entire day. “The cost to Bell for repairs was $30,000,” she said, adding that it took 24 hours to restore service.Under current laws, copper theft is treated as petty theft under $5,000, a classification telecom executives argue is grossly inadequate. “Amend the Criminal Code to classify any willful damage to critical infrastructure as a serious crime,” urged Brian Lakey, vice-president at Telus. “Copper theft is considered as petty theft today. Stronger penalties would act as a deterrent.”Since 2021, Telus has reported that over 170,000 of its customers have lost more than 200 million minutes of telecom service due to copper thefts. Cities such as Mission, Abbotsford, and Calgary have been hit multiple times in 2024, Lakey added.Witnesses also pointed to U.S. legislation for inspiration. Florida’s House Bill 275, enacted in May, imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for copper theft and makes thieves liable for damages exceeding the value of the stolen material. Scrap copper, currently selling for up to $5 per pound, remains a lucrative target for criminals.Eric Smith, vice-president of the Canadian Telecommunications Association, stressed the disparity between the damage caused and the penalties imposed. “The value of stolen copper is often quite low, resulting in charges of theft under $5,000,” said Smith. “This is the same charge leveled against someone caught stealing a bicycle, yet the consequences of copper theft are much greater.”Parliamentarians have made multiple attempts to strengthen penalties for copper theft since 2014, but those efforts have yet to succeed. With the growing impact on critical infrastructure, telecom leaders are urging immediate legislative action to protect their networks and customers.
