As part of the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland made note of the government’s commitment to right to repair.

In the statement tabled earlier this week, Deputy Minister Freeland announced proposed changes to the Competition Act specifically addressing Right To Repair.

As part of the financial update and forecast, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland spoke to the importance of right to repair for Canadian consumers, including legislative amendments that would be necessary in order to achieve this change.

Specifically, the federal government has committed to “amending the Competition Act in order to prevent manufacturers from refusing to provide the means of repair of devices and products in an anti-competitive manner,” in support of Canadians’ right to repair. 

AIA Canada responded to the announcement with a press release stating it welcomes this positive step forward in the FES. “[This announcement] makes clear the government’s intention to enable the right to repair in Canada in the interest of consumers and fair competition,” AIA Canada noted.

“This commitment follows ongoing advocacy from AIA Canada and the auto care industry, including a successful Parliament Hill Day in October, where we met with numerous decision-makers to advance the call for vehicle right to repair in Canada. 

“At a time of immense affordability challenges and a cost-of-living crisis, Canadians should have the right to choose where to bring their vehicles for repair and maintenance.

“Supporting the automotive aftermarket by giving Canadians access to their vehicle’s data and allowing them to decide where to have their vehicles serviced is key to improving affordability, competition and access for vehicle owners. 

“We look forward to reviewing amendments to the Competition Act once tabled,” the AIA Canada statement concluded. “In the meantime, we encourage members to engage their federal decision-makers on the significance that access to data would have on member businesses, and on helping to address everyday affordability issues facing Canadians.”