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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
New Regulations Targeting Copper Theft Announced
The provincial government is introducing amendments to the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act to make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen copper wire. The proposed changes are designed to add layers of scrutiny and oversight to copper transactions at scrap and salvage dealers across the province.
Homeowner Shares Experience with Copper Wire Theft
Jo-Anne Phillips, a homeowner in Moncton, recounted how her renovation project was derailed after thieves targeted her property in early 2023. The culprits gained access by breaking down a back door and stripped copper wire straight from the electrical panel. Despite attempts to secure the home, the thieves returned the following night to remove any remaining materials.
“They accessed the home again to come back to get everything that they had left,” Phillips explained in an interview with Information Morning Moncton. After realizing copper had been stolen, she contacted local recycling depots and scrap dealers to alert them, but was told stolen copper is often moved to other municipalities to be sold. Phillips ultimately had to file an insurance claim valued at $50,000 for the damage caused, while stating the actual profit thieves made from the stolen copper was minimal in comparison.
Key Components of the Proposed Law Changes
If enacted, the revised law will ban scrap dealers from accepting burned copper or copper that isn’t in its original manufactured state. In addition, the law will enforce stricter oversight of transactions. Dealers will be required to verify and record the identity of sellers with photo identification and hold all purchased copper for 48 hours prior to sale or disposal.
Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin stated, “Basically, we have to retrace where it comes from to make sure that it's legal.” Officers from the Department of Justice and Public Safety will conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
Impact on Dealers and Theft Prevention
The updated regulations are not only intended to deter thieves but also empower scrap dealers with the authority to ask more thorough questions regarding the origins of copper. Dealers may inquire if sellers have a legitimate business or can provide documentation to prove lawful possession.
Minister Gauvin acknowledged that while the measures may not end copper theft entirely, the intention is to make selling stolen copper wire significantly harder. “We know this is not going to be 100 per cent perfect. This is a deterrent to make it harder for thieves to sell stolen copper wire,” Gauvin said.
Broader Impacts and Timelines
Copper theft is a costly issue, often resulting in more extensive property damage beyond the loss of wiring. Gauvin also highlighted the broader risks, mentioning that such thefts can interrupt critical infrastructure, such as telecommunications and traffic lights, presenting public safety hazards.
The provincial government hopes to pass the updated legislation before Christmas, aiming for rapid implementation of the new protections and oversight procedures.
Looking Ahead
Phillips, who still wonders about the effectiveness of the new rules, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts but remains cautiously optimistic about their impact. As New Brunswick moves to strengthen its laws against copper theft, property owners and businesses await the results of this legislative initiative.
Source: cbc.ca.
