Ontario NDP champions consumer protection with Right to Repair legislation

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for Consumer Protection Tom Rakocevic (Humber River – Black Creek) is introducing legislation that protects consumers from corporate gouging when it comes to maintenance and repairs on heavy farming equipment, wheelchairs, motor vehicles, electronic products, and household appliances.

NDP’s Right to Repair legislation is co-sponsored by the critic for Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs John Vanthof (Timiskaming – Cochrane) and Affordability critic Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale – High Park).

“It should be cheaper to repair a product than to buy a new one,” said Rakocevic. “When consumers buy something, they should have the full rights of ownership, which includes manuals and the ability to have their product repaired, when and however they want.”

“Farmers need to have access to technical information and parts for equipment that they have purchased. It is essential,” said Vanthof. “This bill would help ensure that.”

“With skyrocketing cost of living, Ontarians simply can’t afford to pay hundreds and thousands in unfair premium costs for repairs,” said Karpoche. “We cannot keep letting big corporations and manufacturers gouge hard-working Ontarians for the sake of profit. It’s time to implement these fair and sustainable right to repair measures.”

Consumers are currently stuck paying hefty amounts to service their equipment, electronics, devices, etc. Big corporations and manufacturers use proprietary maintenance and repair software, tools, and manuals that lock customers into expensive services and prevent them from making repairs themselves or through third parties.

Additional quotes:

Drew Spoelstra, President of Ontario Federation of Agriculture

“Ontario farmers need affordable access to replacement parts, software and tools used to maintain, diagnose and repair our farm equipment. It is not always practical or timely to bring large farm equipment to the original equipment manufacturer or dealership for regular maintenance or repairs. The amendments to the Consumer Protection Act provide the clear direction that is necessary to ensure independent shop and equipment owner repairs are affordable and accessible to farmers in every area of the province.”