AIA Canada members advocate for the right to repair on Hill Day 2024

Ottawa, ON, October 24, 2024 – Today, Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) and its members engaged with Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators and key political officials from across the country to advocate for the right to repair,  the importance of passing Bills C-244 and C-294 and how they are key building blocks towards gaining standalone right to repair legislation. Our ask to MPs and Senators is to ensure fair competition in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector and that Canadian consumers have a choice for where they service and repair their vehicles.  

The importance of the right to repair 

While Bills C-244 and C-294 have made significant strides in amending the Copyright Act to allow for bypassing digital locks for repairs, we continue to push for standalone legislation tailored to the automotive sector. 

The right to repair movement is imperative for both consumers and the automotive industry. As vehicles become increasingly more complex, so does the data and diagnostics it requires to repair and maintain them. Automakers control this data, including how much is available and who has access to it—including automotive aftermarket shops. Without access to this data, independent automotive repair shops are extremely limited in servicing a vehicle. As a result, Canadian consumers are faced with fewer choices for where they go for auto repair and can be limited to only the dealership. Additionally, without consumers having the choice of where they service their vehicle, auto care shops will be left behind, ultimately hindering healthy economic competition between businesses. 

The right to repair provides consumers with that choice and allows for continued access to essential, reliable and affordable vehicle service and repair, and is key for independent auto care businesses to support skilled workers. 

How to advocate for the right to repair 

We encourage all AIA Canada members to help support the right to repair. You can help by: 

• Emailing your MP about the right to repair, its impacts on Canadian automotive businesses and consumers, and the urgent need for legislation. 

• Emailing the Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy members 

• Becoming a grassroots champion to share our message and show support for the movement.