Innovation, Science and Economics Development Canada is conducting a consultation through a questionnaire regarding the right to repair until September 26^th, 2024.  

Join the NFU on Thursday September 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM PDT/3:30 PM CST/4:30 PM CDT/5:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM ADT for a webinar regarding the “Right to Repair” consultation. The webinar will discuss the current framing of the Right to Repair and take you through the questionnaire. The Zoom link can be found below. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://nfu-ca.zoom.us/j/88269759500?pwd=2iqbhbledEs3gUetSb0xqudvFy87vj.1

Meeting ID: 882 6975 9500

Passcode: 787081

Click here for the questionnaire.

The right to repair goes beyond the ability for consumers to repair electronics, appliances, and machinery. The right to repair is about independence and freedom from major manufacturers in order to have access to timely and inexpensive repairs, as well as operability between products that suit the needs of consumers and farm businesses. It is also about affordability and sustainability – repairability and durability of products ensure that Canadians do not have to re-buy products that were intentionally designed to be replaced with newer products – also known as planned obsolescence. 

For farmers, the right to repair is becoming increasingly important as the farm machinery sector continues to consolidate.

For small-scale farmers and direct-to-consumer sellers, household appliances are important for the processing and storage of farm products. 

This right to repair consultation focuses on consumer appliances and electronics, but it is also important for farmers to get a consistent and strong right to repair regime. Right to repair must extend to everything from cellphones and household appliances to tractors and seed drills.