Quebec, October 6, 2023 – The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) welcomes the adoption of Bill 29 in Quebec, a significant step forward in the right to repair and the fight against planned obsolescence.
Quebec is now the first Canadian province to pass a law on the right to repair that includes the automotive industry. This sets an important precedent for Canada to follow and adopt a legislation that guarantees consumers the right to repair their automobiles with the service provider of their choice. AIA Canada and its thousands of members from coast to coast have long been advocating for legislation that would preserve consumer choice and allow our essential auto care industry businesses to compete on a fair and level playing field. We are delighted to see this come to fruition today in Quebec, and remain committed to pushing for similar legislation at the federal level.
Mr. Jean-François Champagne, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIA Canada, commented on this adoption by saying, “We welcome the vision of the Quebec government that has recognized the importance of the right to repair for citizens. The inclusion of automobiles in Bill 29 is a major step towards a fairer and more transparent marketplace for consumers and the aftermarket industry, also known as the auto care industry.”
Although this crucial step has been taken, AIA Canada is committed to working with the Government of Quebec to develop the regulations that will result from this legislation to continue to protect the rights of Quebec consumers regarding auto care. We are committed to working constructively together and putting in place a regulatory framework that benefits Quebec consumers.
AIA Canada would also like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Simon Jolin-Barrette, Minister of Justice, and all parliamentarians of the National Assembly of Quebec for passing Bill 29 unanimously. This unanimity reflects the clear and strong consensus in favour of the right to repair in Quebec, and we are convinced that this legislation will benefit society as a whole by promoting greater sustainability and fairness for consumers.
About the Automotive Industries Association of Canada
We represent, support and lead innovation in Canada’s $37.8 billion auto care sector. With thousands of members from coast to coast, our vision, research, training programs and advocacy supports Canada’s collision and mechanical sectors. Our best practices for the auto care industry help our members keep Canada’s fleet of almost 26.6 million vehicles on the road.
Whether you have been in a collision or require maintenance, our members help vehicles last longer, pollute less, and keep drivers safer by offering Canadians any product or service a vehicle may need after it rolls off the dealership’s lot.
The auto care industry in Quebec is:
- $7 billion annually;
- 5,895 auto repair and maintenance shops;
- 1,524 companies in the supply chain;
- More than 100,000 jobs across the province
- Many head offices and banners well known to Quebecers.
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For more information, please contact the Communications Department:
180 Elgin Street, Suite 1400 Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3
1-800-808-2920, ext. 2285
Mr. Jean-François Champagne, President and CEO of AIA Canada, and Alana Baker, Vice-President of Government Relations and Research at AIA Canada, are available for interview