Introduction:
We advocate for comprehensive federal legislation to guarantee the Right to Repair in Canada. This measure is crucial for protecting consumer rights, promoting environmental stewardship, and ensuring economic and ecological health. The urgency to act is highlighted by the growing global momentum for the right to repair.

• Background:
Canadians face increasing challenges in repairing electronic devices, appliances, and other products due to manufacturers designing items with limited reparability. This leads to unnecessary waste, higher costs, and environmental harm. We are seeking to address these issues through federal legislation that empowers consumers and promotes sustainability.

• Who is impacted?
All Canadians are affected by the lack of a right to repair. Manufacturers restrict access to repair manuals, tools, and spare parts, forcing premature product replacements. This practice increases costs, contributes to a culture of disposability, and strains finances. The inability to repair products affects individuals and local businesses, harming our economic and ecological well-being.

•  What is at stake?
Without change, we will see increased electronic waste, environmental degradation, and loss of consumer autonomy. A right to repair bill would ensure access to repair information, tools, and parts, extending product lifespans and reducing waste.

• Why is now the time to act?
The right to repair movement is gaining global traction:
- European Union: The EU has introduced a ‘right to repair’ for household appliances as part of its 2020 circular economy action plan. In March 2023, the European Commission proposed a Directive on the “Right to Repair,” which includes measures to facilitate consumer and independent company repairs.
- United States: A wave of right to repair initiatives has swept across the US, with Apple announcing a significant policy change by launching ‘Self Service Repair,’ making parts, tools, and manuals available to individual consumers.

Canada cannot afford to lag behind. The ethical and environmental implications are too significant to ignore. Each day of inaction results in more devices in landfills and unnecessary expenses for consumers. Aligning with international movements, Canada can lead in sustainability, consumer empowerment, and economic resilience.

• Our Call to Action
We, the undersigned, urge the Canadian government to take decisive action by implementing comprehensive federal legislation that guarantees the Canadians' right to repair. Specifically, we request the following:
1.      Access to Repair Information: Manufacturers should be required to provide consumers and independent repair shops with access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and spare parts. Transparency is essential for empowering individuals to fix their own devices.

2.      Banning Anti-Repair Practices: Legislation should prohibit manufacturers from using digital locks or other mechanisms that prevent consumers from repairing their products. Consumers should have the freedom to choose where and how they get their devices fixed.

3.      Promoting Product Durability: Encourage manufacturers to design products with longevity in mind. Longer-lasting devices reduce electronic waste and benefit both consumers and the environment.

4.      Supporting Local Repair Businesses: Small repair shops play a crucial role in our communities. Legislation should foster an environment where these businesses can thrive and provide quality repair services.

By advocating for the right to repair, we are calling for a future where Canadians have control over their products, where our environment is respected, and where our economy supports sustainable practices. The time to act is now.

• Personal Testimony

A recent experience with a renowned manufacturer of small home appliances highlighted the need for this legislation. 
Four months after the warranty for my air fryer expired, I discovered the renowned company doesn't sell spare parts - not even to technicians or repair shops - or offer repair services beyond the one-year warranty. This policy sparked widespread dissatisfaction among many Canadians who bought this company’s appliances, a sentiment reflected in numerous online discussions and product reviews. This is not an isolated issue and underscores the need for legislation to prevent manufacturers from restricting repairs and parts access post-warranty. Canadians deserve the right to repair their products regardless of warranty status to promote sustainability and consumer autonomy.