Curbside Chat: The right to repair in the auto care sector
The auto care sector is at a crossroads. For the industry to survive and thrive and ensure continued access to essential vehicle maintenance and repair, we must secure the right to repair. Canada’s vast geographical diversity makes relying solely on auto dealerships to service all our vehicles impractical. This is why Quebec’s recent legislative move with Bill 29—now Bill 21—is so significant. However, what exactly does this bill entail, and what would be the implications if it were absent? Moreover, how does the Federal Bill C-244 compare, and what does it mean for Canadian consumers?
In a recent episode of Curbside Chat, we dive deep into the right to repair and its far-reaching implications. Hosted by Lorraine Sommerfeld, this episode features Alana Baker, Vice President of Government Relations and Research at AIA Canada, and Emily Chung, owner and licensed automotive technician at Auto Niche.
Understanding Bill 21
Bill 21 is a revolutionary piece of legislation in Quebec that aims to ensure consumers and independent repair shops have the necessary access to parts, tools, and information needed to service and repair vehicles. This bill is a significant step toward empowering consumers and fostering a competitive and fair market in the auto care industry. Without it, consumers would be at the mercy of automakers, who could monopolize the repair market, leading to higher costs and limited choices for vehicle owners.
Federal Bill C-244: A nationwide perspective
If passed, federal Bill C-244 would provide Canadians the right to access their data for the purposes of diagnosis, maintenance or repair of certain types of products–including the vehicles they own. For Canadian consumers, this would mean more control over vehicle maintenance and potentially lower costs, and it would serve as an important starting point to truly pave the way for standalone vehicle right to repair legislation in Canada.
The broader implications for the auto care industry
The right to repair is not the only issue facing the auto care industry. This episode also tackles other critical industry challenges, including the need to modernize operations, the importance of up-skilling workers, and strategies for effective employee recruitment. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the skills and capabilities of those working in the auto care sector.
About Curbside Chat
Curbside Chat is a video podcast series that provides auto care industry professionals a forum to speak about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen. Watch now.