Bill 15 update: Progress on Right to Repair in Manitoba

In mid-March, the Manitoba government introduced Bill 15, The Consumer Protection Amendment Act—an important step toward establishing a right to repair framework in the province. 

This progress follows more than 18 months of sustained advocacy by AIA Canada and its members, including multiple engagements with the office of the Minister of Public Service Delivery. AIA Canada is appreciative of Minister Sandhu and the Government of Manitoba for taking a leadership role in advancing legislation that strengthens consumer choice and reinforces the role of independent repair businesses. 

Bill 15 passed second reading on April 13 and advanced to the committee stage. Industry stakeholders were invited to submit written briefs or appear as witnesses. 

 AIA Canada submitted a detailed brief outlining recommended amendments, and Rick Vincent, Sales Manager at Piston Ring Service and Chair of AIA Canada’s Manitoba Division, appeared before committee Wednesday to provide testimony on behalf of the industry. 

The committee approved the Bill as originally drafted and it will now proceed to a third and final reading. We expect the Bill to receive Royal Assent before the House rises on June 1st. Following the Bill’s passage we will proceed to a regulatory development phase that will roll out on a sector-by-sector basis starting with home appliances, followed by automotive, and then agriculture, with each phase shaped through stakeholder engagement. 

The regulatory phase will be critical to ensuring the framework delivers meaningful access for the automotive aftermarket. AIA Canada will continue working closely with Manitoba Division members to help shape this next stage. 

AIA Canada looks forward to continued engagement with the provincial government as regulations are developed and remains committed to advocating for a coordinated federal approach that ensures consistent and comprehensive Right to Repair protections for all Canadians.   

Members interested in reading AIA Canada’s submission or learning more are encouraged to contact Emily Holtby, vice president, government relations at Emily.Holtby@aiacanada.com