[stan_rogers]

It's not just in Canada. Have you ever heard the term "grand theft auto"? There have been two levels in almost every jurisdiction for a very long time: petty (small) theft and grand (large) theft. The dividing line in England used to be a shilling, for which you could be hanged or transported. Sixpence would get you a short-ish time in gaol/jail.

[bregma]

The story is about a crime in Canada, so it's relevant.

[stan_rogers]

True, but the separation between grand theft and petty theft exists in pretty much every common-law country, and has for centuries - it's not a peculiarity of Canadian law.