A Right to Repair bill that could entrench the independent automotive aftermarket’s access to repair tools, information and parts and the consumer’s right to choose where to have their vehicle repaired has been introduced into Canada’s House of Commons.

The private members bill was introduced by long-time Right to Repair advocate and MP from Windsor West Brian Masse is expected to enjoy support across party lines.

“I think all members of parliament will support similar to what had happened in the past,” said Masse in introducing the bill midday Friday, February 4. “And I want to thank the member for Timmins and James Bay [Charlie Angus] for his help on this issue for a number of different years.”

Masse said Bill C-231 will do three things:

Amend the competition act to authorize the competition tribunal, to make an order requiring vehicle manufacturers, to provide independent repair shops, access to diagnostic and repair information and service parts on the same terms ans manner as a manufacturers make that information and parts available to their own authorized repair provider;

Update the voluntary Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) agreement in place since 2009 to include the rights of digital software that will cover future innovations and technologies as we move to zero emissions, vehicle standards and electric vehicles.

Ensure that consumers have a right to choose where they actually get their vehicle fixed and to help the environment by making sure vehicles with emissions are stronger and also cleaner.

“And lastly,” said Masse, “it will also be good for public safety as vehicles are on the road repaired and in order in their best conditions possible. “

This is an important development for the aftermarket, even more acutely so as progress on the issue had been significant before the Fall 2021 election killed Right to Repair legislation in progress.

“We’re very excited,” says JF Champagne, president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. “We’ve been working with Brian a long time, and he is obviously supportive of protecting the rights of Canadians; 94% of them believe they should have the right to choose where and how to get their car serviced. And this is exactly what Brian has, has done today.

“So we are looking forward to getting huge movement of the industry, to support and promote that legislation so we do have right to repair legislation in Canada.”

Champagne says tools to help the aftermarket industry to show support for the new legislation are imminent and will build on the experience of the “Your Car. Your Data. Your Choice.” campaign that was so successful in 2021.

“This is exactly what we can expect is a call to all, to make sure we mobilize and tell our members of parliament, that that bill is important for us and for Canadians,” says Champagne.