FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 4, 2022 

MASSE TABLES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT AUTOMOTIVE CAR OWNERS BY PROVIDING MORE CHOICE IN AFTERMARKET REPAIR

OTTAWA, ON – NDP Automotive and Industry Critic, and Windsor West MP Brian Masse, tabled a new right-to-repair bill today in Parliament to protect Canadian automotive car owners’ choice when having their own vehicle repaired.  It would allow consumers to have their vehicle fixed where they would like, at a fair cost, and with the proper and same tools and parts as available by the manufacturers to authorized dealers.

“Vehicle components, like computers, have evolved and are quickly becoming more digitalized with manufacturers working harder to protect their repair programs. Moving towards electric and away from fossil fuels will impact the way that repairs are made,” said Masse.  “This bill looks forward, ensuring that Canadians will have continued access and the ability to choose where they can get their vehicle repaired.”

Currently, there is a voluntary agreement in place between manufacturers and aftermarket and independent vehicle repair shops. However, with Canada committed to mandating that all new light-duty vehicles sold be zero emission by 2035, with an interim sales target of at least 50 percent by 2030, Canadians could see manufacturers change how they share this information and what information they are willing to share with aftermarket repair shops.

“Like we have seen with cell phones and electronics devices, some manufacturers have refused to share their repair “tools” with technicians that are not their own, making it difficult to repair the devices and which ultimately end up in landfills,” stated Masse.  “That’s what we are trying to avoid.  That, and making sure Canadians can go to the repair shop of their choice instead of, in some cases, travelling hundreds of kilometres in rural communities by having to get to the manufacturers authorized dealer,” said Masse.

This legislation supports consumers, provides choices, protects the environment by keeping car emissions low and vehicles and parts out of landfills, and supports public safety by ensuring vehicles on the road are in the best working conditions and can be repaired as soon as possible.

Masse previously had a similar bill that successfully passed through Parliament in 2009 on right-to-repair.  Before it was through the Senate, the aftermarket dealers came to a voluntary agreement which is still in place today.  This bill is supported by the aftermarket dealers and associations.

-30-

For more information: Melanie Namespetra [email protected] or 613-355-4120