New Democrat Motion Approved to Help Consumers with Car Repairs

The issue concerns giving vehicle owners the right to choose who repairs their vehicles.

OTTAWA – A New Democrat campaign which first led to a better but imperfect voluntary agreement between automakers and the aftermarket industry has now seen a motion pass the House of Commons, giving consumers savings and more legal protection.
 
“This will save consumers money and give them their rights back,” said Sault MP Tony Martin, applauding the work of New Democrat Industry Critic Brian Masse (Windsor West) who has been steering the campaign.
 
The issue concerns giving vehicle owners the right to choose who repairs their vehicles. On-board diagnostics are contained in about 59 per cent of vehicles and until now, many independent service stations didn't have access to the information and equipment required to make repairs. This bill resolves those issues and guarantees a level playing field.
 
The house unanimously passed a motion Wednesday acknowledging that the purposes and intents of the right-to-repair bill have been achieved.
 
"I'd like to thank the thousands of Canadians across the country whose determined efforts for the last three years led to this victory," said Masse. "The industry has moved from denial to acceptance all the way to setting up a system to resolve the right-to-repair issue once and for all.”
 
Earlier this year, Masse's “right to repair” bill passed second reading in the House earlier by a vote of 247-18.
 
In reaction to this overwhelming support, automakers and the aftermarket industry developed a landmark agreement fulfilling the purpose of the legislation.
 
"This is a victory for every Canadian automobile owner," said Masse. "They now have a choice about the repair and maintenance of their vehicles, and emission standards and public safety are now guaranteed."