A clear standard for Right to Repair helps the entire aftermarket sector

Canada needs a national Automotive Right to Repair framework so vehicle owners and independent repairers can access the information and tools required to service modern vehicles. Without it, restrictions on repair information, software functions, and required tools increase repair costs, limit consumer choice, and weaken competition in a sector employing approximately 491,800 Canadians.

At risk
The Canadian automotive aftermarket sector is responsible for maintaining Canada’s fleet of roughly 29 million vehicles through repair shops, parts distributors, and retailers. When restrictions are placed on the ability to repair vehicles by manufacturers, the viability of the entire aftermarket is put at risk.

Federal legislation should set clear, consistent requirements for access to repair information, software functions (including updates and calibrations), tools/interfaces, and necessary security credentials.

Dealerships can restrict access to critical repair information needed to properly service vehicles. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, manufacturers can limit independent repairs by controlling software functions, data, and required tools, which can steer consumers toward higher-cost dealership service. This threatens the viability of the aftermarket – from repair facilities to parts suppliers and manufacturers.

Logistical challenges
Canada is a vast country, with up to 20% of the population residing in rural communities. Reliance on dealership-only repair pathways can create challenges when consumers cannot afford higher dealership costs or do not have access to the appropriate dealership within a reasonable distance. In some cases, owners only discover at the time of repair that the required tools, software functions, or credentials are available only at a distant facility—potentially in another city or province. Combined with the absence of mandatory vehicle inspections in some provinces, these barriers can affect aftermarket viability while potentially unsafe vehicles remain in operation.

Modern cars are essentially “computers on wheels.” Manufacturers’ control over repair software, software functions, and required tools or interfaces – including security credentials – can create repair barriers that limit consumer rights over the vehicles they own.

Fragmented system
The federal government has passed laws that have resulted in improvements; however, they did not go far enough to require car brands to share essential repair information. Differences between provincial rules also create a fragmented system, where a mechanic in one province may have more legal access to repair information than a mechanic across the road in another province.

As more EVs enter the used market, these restrictions become even more significant. Independent shops may be unable to perform basic battery calibrations or software updates without manufacturer-provided authorization, reducing local competition and increasing costs for Canadians already facing cost-of-living pressures.

In summary, without consistent access to repair information, software functions, tools, and security credentials, Canadians face higher repair costs and unnecessary delays – especially outside major centres.

Protection and support
A national Right to Repair framework would protect competition, support the aftermarket workforce, and keep vehicles safely maintained.

To level the playing field, Canada should adopt Federal Automotive Right to Repair legislation that clearly requires manufacturers to support safe, independent repair.

• Provide access to standardized repair information, including fault codes and service procedures.
• Provide access to necessary software functions, including calibrations and software updates, on fair and reasonable terms.
• Provide access to the required tools, interfaces, and security credentials so repairs can be completed outside dealerships.
• Provide the ability to purchase service manuals and replacement parts without undue restrictions.

Strength and viability
This approach strengthens consumer rights, increases competition, and protects the long-term viability of the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

Federal policymakers should advance a clear, national Right to Repair framework now—developed with input from consumers, independent repairers, and manufacturers—to ensure Canadians can choose safe, affordable repairs wherever they live.