Auto Repair Industry Demands Stronger Federal Right-to-Repair Laws in Canada
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is intensifying its call for the federal government to implement more robust right-to-repair legislation, arguing that current measures fail to adequately protect consumers from what they describe as anticompetitive practices by vehicle manufacturers.
Growing Concerns Over Digital Barriers
According to AIA spokesperson Emily Holtby, the increasing computerization of modern vehicles has created a situation where independent repair shops struggle to access essential diagnostic and maintenance data. This data is increasingly controlled by automakers through proprietary systems, creating what Holtby calls "digital barriers" that effectively force consumers to use manufacturer-affiliated dealerships for repairs.
"Our issue is that we need information from the automakers directly to diagnose and service a vehicle," Holtby explained. "With vehicles becoming more advanced, accessing this information is becoming increasingly complicated. We might be able to access a certain amount of information but not all of it, and so the consumer is forced to go to their dealership instead and get repairs done at a premium."
Significant Cost Implications for Consumers
The AIA estimates that stronger right-to-repair legislation could save Canadian drivers up to $500 annually on common vehicle repairs. This projection is based on the significant price differences between independent repair shops and dealership-affiliated service centers.
Holtby noted that independent repair shops typically charge up to 30 percent less for routine repairs and as much as 80 percent less for heavy-duty repairs compared to their dealer-affiliated counterparts. These savings could be particularly impactful given current economic pressures facing Canadian households.
Electric Vehicles Present Special Challenges
The right-to-repair issue becomes especially acute with electric vehicles, which tend to contain more computer code and fewer mechanical components than traditional fuel-powered cars. Holtby specifically highlighted challenges with companies like Tesla, which she says make it particularly difficult for third-party repair shops to access necessary data.
"Tesla drivers are at a major disadvantage because they have to live near a Tesla dealership and use name-brand Tesla parts," Holtby stated. She emphasized that there are no technical barriers preventing electric vehicle companies from releasing repair information and no inherent reason why electric vehicles should be more expensive to repair than other automobiles.
Existing Legislation Falls Short
While Parliament passed two bills in 2024 that amended Canada's Copyright Act to allow independent repair businesses to bypass digital locks restricting access to operational data, industry advocates argue these measures are insufficient.
Holtby acknowledged these changes were "a good start" but noted they don't place any obligation on manufacturers to proactively share data or specify penalties for non-compliance. This leaves what many consider a significant loophole in consumer protection.
Broader Policy Implications
Alissa Centivany, a professor of technological policy at Western University and right-to-repair advocate, warned that increased international trade tensions could provide manufacturers with additional justification to restrict data access under the guise of security and intellectual property concerns.
This creates a complex policy environment where balancing consumer rights with legitimate business interests becomes increasingly challenging for legislators. The debate touches on multiple policy areas including consumer protection, competition law, and technological innovation.
The AIA's renewed push for stronger legislation comes as vehicle technology continues to advance rapidly, making the right-to-repair issue increasingly relevant for Canadian consumers who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation needs.
