Windsor West MP Brian Masse introduced a new private members bill to protect a car owner's choice when selecting where to have their vehicle repaired.
The bill would ensure all needed tools and parts are made available by the manufacturers to authorized dealers.
Masse said he fears as vehicles become more electric some manufacturers may start limiting repair tools to their own technicians.
“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.
This legislation would ensure this agreement continues so that consumers have a choice when their cars need to be repaired.
“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,” said 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, traveling hundreds of kilometres in rural communities by having to get to the manufacturer authorized dealer.”
Bill C-231 was tabled on Friday. You can view the introduction of the bill here.
