New report highlights urgent need for right to repair legislation: Why access to repair data matters for every vehicle owner 

For many Canadians, owning a vehicle is not optional. It is essential for getting to work, accessing services, supporting families, and participating in daily life. Yet, as the cost of living continues to rise, keeping a vehicle on the road is becoming increasingly expensive and complex. 

Transportation is already one of the largest household expenses. As vehicles become increasingly digital, the cost and availability of repairs are now influenced by something many drivers never see: an independent shop’s ability to access vehicle repair and maintenance data.  

In Unlocking access: Why Right to Repair matters for every vehicle owner, the latest MNP report, shows that without federal action, affordability, consumer choice, and local jobs are at risk. For example: 

• Drivers save considerably when services are performed at independent shops. Up to 30 per cent or $500 on common repairs and up to 80 per cent for labour-heavy or complex repairs (when aftermarket parts are used). 

• Access to vehicle repair data significantly impacts independent shops’ ability to provide timely services. If every independent shop lost just one repair per week due to an inability to access vehicle repair data, the total annual profit loss could reach $336 million nationally for independents; 

• Drivers in rural areas, including operators of emergency fleet vehicles, face disproportionately higher costs for services. Independent repair shops play a vital role in servicing and maintaining vehicles, where the closest dealership may be several hours away. 

The data behind modern vehicle repairs 

Today’s vehicles rely on advanced software, sensors, and connected systems. Properly diagnosing and repairing these vehicles requires timely access to detailed repair and maintenance information. In Canada, that access is largely controlled by vehicle manufacturers. 

When independent repair shops cannot easily or quickly obtain this information, repairs become more difficult, slower, and in some cases, impossible to perform outside of dealerships. This limits consumer choice and can drive up costs, particularly for Canadians who depend on their vehicles every day. 

Why independent repair shops matter to drivers 

Independent repair shops are deeply embedded in communities across Canada. They provide trusted, cost-conscious service and help drivers manage the long-term cost of vehicle ownership. For many households, especially those keeping vehicles longer, independent shops are a key source of affordability. 

The report examines how differences in repair access and pricing affect drivers over time. While cost differences may seem small for routine services, the financial impact grows as vehicles age and require more complex repairs. These cumulative costs can make a meaningful difference for families, seniors, and workers on fixed or limited incomes. 

When repairs take longer, costs increase 

Limited access to repair data does not just restrict where a repair can be done. It also affects how long that repair takes. Technicians may spend additional time sourcing information across multiple platforms or be forced to delay work altogether. 

These inefficiencies have broader consequences. They increase operating costs for businesses, reduce service availability for consumers, and contribute to longer wait times. Over time, even small disruptions can accumulate to have significant economic impacts on Canada’s auto care industry. 

Rural communities face higher stakes 

For rural and remote communities, the stakes are even higher. Independent repair shops are often the only practical option for local vehicle service. When these shops cannot access the necessary information, drivers may be forced to travel long distances to dealerships, incurring additional travel expenses, lost work time, and extra costs. 

This challenge extends beyond personal vehicles. Emergency responders, commercial operators, and community service fleets all rely on timely local repairs to maintain their operational status. 

A growing need for a cohesive national strategy 

Other jurisdictions have already recognized the importance of Right to Repair and have taken steps to ensure fair access to vehicle repair information. In Canada, momentum is building, but federal action has yet to follow. As vehicles become more complex and Canadians keep them on the road longer, the need for a national Right to Repair framework is becoming increasingly clear. 

Discover the full findings 

The full report, Unlocking access: Why Right to Repair matters for every vehicle owner, provides detailed analysis, economic insights, and real-world impacts for consumers and businesses alike. Readers are encouraged to explore the report to better understand what is at stake and why action matters now—get your copy today.