Your customer deserves a choice: Why advocacy benefits drivers too

At its core, the right to repair is not a niche policy issue—it is a fundamental consumer protection. As vehicles become ever more data-driven, control over diagnostic information increasingly resides with automakers. Without intervention, consumers may no longer be able to choose where to service their vehicle and will have limited choices. 

A critical protection for drivers 

Modern cars are like computers on wheels, constantly collecting telemetry and diagnostic data. That data is often stored or routed through manufacturer-controlled systems, allowing automakers to restrict who can access it. When only dealerships hold the key to diagnostic access, drivers lose meaningful choice. They may face longer wait times, higher costs, or be forced to travel further, especially in rural or underserved regions across the country. 

By ensuring nationwide, standalone legislation that mandates equitable access to repair data, drivers can continue to select competent, local independent shops across the auto care sector. Ultimately, it translates into more affordable repairs, faster turnaround, and stronger consumer trust. 

Advocacy that helps shops and drivers alike 

Independent shops that can access all necessary repair data thrive by offering competitive services and building lasting relationships. Those same shops anchor local economies, employ skilled tradespeople, and keep dollars circulating in Canadian communities. 

Moreover, standalone right to repair legislation reduces reliance on tightly controlled manufacturer supply chains, especially under trade uncertainties and tariffs. A resilient domestic repair ecosystem helps break down provincial and international barriers, bolsters Canadian economic sovereignty, and strengthens profitability for local providers. 

What AIA Canada is doing to move the needle 

AIA Canada continues to lead national advocacy for the right to repair. With the recent passage of Bills C-244 and C-294, Canadians can now legally bypass digital locks for repair, diagnosis, and interoperability—critical first steps toward broader repair rights. AIA Canada supported these bills through Senate testimony and policy engagement, emphasizing that more must be done to secure complete, sector-specific vehicle repair and diagnostic data access. 

At the provincial level, AIA Canada played a key role in shaping Quebec’s new Consumer Protection Act regulation, which came into force on October 5, 2025. The regulation enhances repairability, mandates stronger manufacturer disclosure, and incorporates several AIA Canada recommendations, including clearer definitions of “commonly available tools” and recognition of professional repairers. 

Throughout the year, AIA Canada has expanded its advocacy through Budget 2025 submissions, international collaboration at Autopromotec Italy, and grassroots efforts such as shop visits and Hill Day in Ottawa. The association continues to work with regulators and consumer protection offices to ensure effective implementation and industry awareness. 

Why this matters for your customers 

AIA Canada’s advocacy helps secure real repair freedom for drivers and sustains a healthy, competitive auto care sector. When independent shops retain access to essential repair data, consumers benefit from fairer prices, faster service, and genuine choice—while local economies gain from skilled, community-based employment and innovation.