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OPINION A ROBUST RESPONSE 10 AUTO THEFT MAJOR EFFORTS BEING MADE TO KEEPING OAKVILLE SAFE, WRITES STEPHEN CRAWFORD STEPHEN CRAWFORD lumn Our government has been working tirelessly to address the concerns of rising auto theft, es- pecially as it is affecting our com- mi ctly. Recently, we have been con- fronted with a growing menace: Celebrate WITH OUR Available as a Family Pack ($59.99) or as Individual Meals ($21.99 each). Served with fresh cut fries and baked beans. auto theft. real dedicated eft increased by 72 per oon across Ontario. Closer to home, Oakville and Burlington have seen auto thefts soar by nearly 49 per cent between 2021 and 2022. Such statistics are alarming. We're not just talking about sto- len cars, but the ripple effect it has on our insurance rates, sense of security and the potential link to other serious crimes. Our government is poised to tackle this issue head-on with a $51-million investment over three The heart of our response is a muttipronged approach. The On- tario Provincial Police will lead an organized crime towing and auto theft team, working closely with municipal and First Nations police services. | disrupt and dis- mantle “ne. networks of these high-tech criminals. Further, a new community safety grant enable police services to secure additional re- sources to combat auto theft. This could range from public s campaigns to cutting- edge technology that aids sur- veillance and identification of stolen vehicles. Help the Burlington Food Bank Bring an item to donate when you pick up your takeout and you'll be entered for a chance to win major auto theft prosecution re- sponse team. This special unit wil offer legal and | prosecutorial support to complex cases aes to occecatl prosecutions, holding criminals accountal and providing jus- tice to the victim: support doesnt stop there. The Greater Toronto Area-Great- er Golden Horseshoe Investiga- tive Fund will receive $1.4 million over the next three years, aiding eligible police services with ad- vanced technology resources. Coupled with our $13.4-million investment this year in the guns and gangs violence reduction strategy, we're committed to dis- rupting organized crime. Every 48 minutes, a car is sto- len in Ontario. It's time to change that statistic. Our government is confident that these investments and strategies will make a signif- icant dent in the auto theft epi- demic, not only in Oakville but across the province. We stand firm in our commit- ment to your safety and security. Stephen Crawford is the MPP for Oakville. He can be reached at stephen.crawfordco@pc.ola.org. IBNEWS SCHOOL BOARD HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOUGHT The Halton District School Board is looking to fill three va- cancies on its Human Rights and Equity Advisory Committee (HREAO). Since 2021, the HREAC has pro- posed and responded to human rights and equity initiatives that support the HDSB's focus on stu- dent achievement and well-being, helping to support commitments outlined in the Human Rights Eq- uity Action and Accountability Plan: The Way Forward and 2020- 24 Multi-Year Plan. The committee i is composed of parent/; community organization representatives liv- inginor to Hal- ton children, youth and families, as well as Indigenous inherent rights holder and treaty er and HDSB staff representatives. Those interested in joining are ents/Guardians and Halton of Interest Form by Tu June 13 at 6 p.m. "The HREAC has been a vital 2 part of the HDSB's work to pro- & tion. "As we continue the work out- lined in The Way Forward and seek to dismantle systems of op- pression and challenge dominant traditions, we look forward to wel- coming new members and fresh perspectives to this committee. The HDSB Human Rights Eq- uity Action and Accountability Plan: The Way Forward requires. ongoing action o on the part of a indi lepartment within tot a The ‘plan Went. fies strategies and actions to en- sure all students, staff and fami- lies are supported in schools and workplaces by and ‘intaining equitable and inclu- sive learning and working envi- AROMA *ii KITCHENS & BATHS INC. ronments. my | Daeapent READERS’ CHOICE 2022 IANOND WINER 25+ Years Experience 100% Canadian Made Cabinetry Quality Craftsmanship + Custom Made Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry + Closet Systems + Entertainment Units s S a 645 Plains Road E, + Basement Renovations + Full Renovations & More! zg a wy AtKing Rd., Burlington SHIP Sis Visit Our 6,000 sq.ft. Design Centre: Hi EINER “9 505-592-1077 aoe Units 2-3, 333 Wyeoroft Rd., Oakville z me "Bene, theskywaydiner.ca 905.844.3332 | itchens.ca ° ir Yens.ca 3