Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson is promising to toughen the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He made the announcement after meeting with Winnipeg's Mayor and Manitoba's Premier, who both stressed they have had enough of repeat young offenders who thumb their nose at the justice system.

"We do have young people who are totally out of control," said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. "I believe that to address that issue we do need significant changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act."

Nicholson has been holding round table discussions across the country. In Friday's stop in Winnipeg, he said that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government supports tougher penalties for young offenders.

"I've indicated to my colleagues across this country, provincial attorneys general and others, that we will be moving forward with changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act," he said.

Friday's meeting is the latest move in a long-standing push by Winnipeg and Manitoba politicians to toughen the YCJA. Both levels of government insist changing the act will curb the perception of a 'revolving door' justice system for repeat young offenders.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said changing the act is of concern "for particularly young people that steal cars," he said. "We also believe that a car that's stolen shouldn't be treated like a television set because it's a potential weapon."

Car theft a 'violent crime'

Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill agrees. He said auto theft needs to be classified as a violent crime, which would garner tougher penalties and harsher sentences.

Already this year there have been several instances where car thieves have tried to mow over police officers in stolen vehicles.

"Stealing cars is a violent offence," he said. "I think it should be looked upon federally as a violent offence. We need to have more teeth in the Youth Criminal Justice Act."

McCaskill was at Winnipeg City Hall Friday addressing the Protection Committee. He said even though the Winnipeg Police Service uses less manpower today than it did three years ago in re-arresting chronic offenders, it doesn't mean the situation is improving.

"We have to do something to be able to take these young people off the street who are intent on doing some very serious things," he said.

McCaskill says the answer may not be locking up young offenders for longer periods, although he admits when Level 4 car thieves -- the city's worst, chronic offenders -- are out of the Manitoba Youth Centre, the number of auto thefts goes up.

When many of them are incarcerated at the same time, the problem drops significantly -- a fact many want federal law makers to take a hard look at while they consider changes.

A private members bill making auto theft a separate offence was passed by the House of Commons in Ottawa in February.

The legislation is now being held up in the Senate, and is not yet law.

You can make a submission to the Youth Criminal Justice Act Review 2008 by going to the justice department's website.

With a report from CTV's Kelly Dehn.