Alberta introduces Right to Repair framework in Bill 34: A positive step, with important gaps remaining 

Yesterday, the Alberta government tabled Bill 34, the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2026. Included in this omnibus bill is an important development for our sector: a proposed right-to-repair framework under Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act. This is a meaningful step forward and one AIA Canada is proud to have helped advance. 

AIA Canada has consistently advocated for fair access to the parts, tools, software and repair information that independent repair shops need to service today’s vehicles. Bill 34 represents progress toward that goal. Under the proposed framework, manufacturers would be required to provide repair items that cannot reasonably be obtained elsewhere, subject to prescribed pricing limits. Technical information would generally be provided free of charge, and independent repair shops could make requests directly rather than having to go through vehicle owners. 

However, important gaps remain. AIA Canada will be advocating for several key improvements, including explicitly naming motor vehicles in the legislation, clearly addressing access to vehicle data and systems, tackling software locks and parts pairing, and establishing a more accessible enforcement mechanism for repairers than court-based remedies. 

We look forward to working with the Alberta government and MLAs to address these gaps before the bill passes. We are also closely monitoring the regulatory process for Manitoba’s Bill 15 and the implementation of Québec’s Bill 29. As provinces advance their own approaches to right to repair, a patchwork of differing rules risks creating additional complexity for businesses and consumers across Canada.  

Our goal remains a fully enforceable federal automotive Right to Repair regime that ensures consistent, Canada-wide access to the parts, tools, software, vehicle data and repair information needed to service today’s vehicles. A federal framework is essential to establish a level playing field for independent repairers, protect consumer choice and affordability, and ensure Canadians have access to safe, timely and competitive vehicle repair services regardless of where they live. 

Progress like this depends on the engagement of our members. When members and shop owners share real-world examples of the barriers they face, their experiences help demonstrate to legislators why meaningful right-to-repair protections matter. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and insights to this work. 

We will keep members informed as the legislative process progresses. In the meantime, please contact Emily Holtby, vice president, government relations, with any questions or examples of repair access challenges you would like to share.