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Copper Wire Theft Surge Spurs Calls for Tighter Scrap Metal Rules
Bell logged 1,275 theft incidents in 2025, and a Conservative MP has proposed fines of up to $10,000 for dealers in stolen metal.
- On Thursday, April 2, 2026, reports revealed a surge in copper wire thefts disrupting telecommunications across Canada, including an incident in Clarendon, New Brunswick, that left about 135 people without phone service for two weeks.
- Bell logged 1,275 copper theft incidents in 2025, representing a roughly 40 per cent increase over the previous year as rising metal prices drive criminal activity affecting network reliability.
- Conservative member for Cambridge, Ontario, Connie Cody, introduced a private member's bill last month proposing fines up to $10,000 and two-year jail sentences for scrap metal dealers trafficking stolen copper.
- Scrap yard owner Daniel Rinzler of Moncton, New Brunswick, noted that while his business requires identification, thieves exploit inconsistent provincial laws by selling stolen goods in neighbouring Quebec without similar rules.
- The Canadian Telecommunications Association, led by senior vice-president Eric Smith, supports Bill C-14, which would impose stiffer penalties for thefts interfering with critical infrastructure to address public safety concerns.
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26 Articles
26 Articles
The Toronto Star+24 Reposted by 24 other sources
As more copper wire thefts knock out service, some point fingers at scrap yards
ST. JOHN'S
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left16Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Left
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources lean Left
84% Left
L 84%
11%
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