Advocacy for Stronger Scrap Metal Laws

Help advocate for stronger scrap metal laws and justice reform

We’ve heard from countless Brantford businesses that have experienced break-ins, theft of copper wire and metal components and property destruction resulting in significant financial hardship. In response, the City of Brantford took action in 2024, passing Bylaw 37‑2024 to regulate salvage yards more strictly, introducing restrictions on prohibited materials and requiring traceable transactions instead of cash.

It is now clear that a municipal bylaw is not enough to stop these destructive activities and that only a province-wide statute and a modernized bail system can close the loopholes and appropriately protect our communities.

In August 2025, Brantford City Council passed a resolution urging provincial and federal leaders to address the devastating impact that scrap metal theft and weak bail enforcement are having on local businesses.  

If you own or manage a business in the City of Brantford, please use the Advocacy Letter Template below to share your story and urge elected provincial and federal officials to take immediate action. Every email sent adds pressure to bring about real legislative change.

Step 1: Download and Personalize the Letter

Click here to download the template. Copy and paste the letter content into your own business letterhead and personalize with your own story.

In addition to calling for a provincial statute, the letter includes space for you to describe:

  • A specific incident of theft, vandalism, or repeated break-ins
  • Financial costs (repairs, insurance increases, lost sales, etc.)
  • Impacts on staff safety and morale
  • Whether the crime was committed by someone who had recently been released on bail
  • Any long-term effect on your ability to operate your business

Please customize the section titled “Insert Your Story Here” to reflect your own personal experiences.

Step 2: Email or Mail Your Completed Letter

Once completed and signed, please send your letter to the following officials:

Ontario Provincial Leaders

MPP Will Bouma
Brantford - Brant
Email: will.bouma@pc.ola.org

Mail:
Will Bouma, MPP
96 Nelson Street, Suite 101
Brantford, ON N3T 2X1

Attorney General of Ontario Doug Downey
Email: attorneygeneral@ontario.ca

Mail:
Ministry of the Attorney General
McMurtry-Scott Building
720 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2S9

Federal Leaders

MP Larry Brock
Brantford - Brant
Email: larry.brock@parl.gc.ca

Mail:

Larry Brock, MP
108 St. George Street, Suite 3
Brantford, ON N3R 1V6

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Sean Fraser
Email: mcu@justice.gc.ca (Ministerial Correspondence Unit)

Mail:
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8

Step 3: Spread the Word

We encourage you to share this initiative with other local business owners, industry groups, or anyone impacted by scrap metal theft and repeat criminal activity. The more voices we raise, the more likely we are to see change.

For questions or help with your letter, please contact:

economicdevelopment@brantford.ca
519-759-4150 ext. 5845