QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for Consumer Protection Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek) is introducing legislation that protects consumers from corporate gouging when it comes to maintenance and repairs on heavy farming equipment, wheelchairs, motor vehicles, electronic products, and household appliances.
Ontario NDP champions consumer protection with Right to Repair legislation
NDP’s Right to Repair legislation is co-sponsored by the critic for Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs John Vanthof (Timiskaming—Cochrane) and Affordability critic Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park).
“It should be cheaper to repair a product than to buy a new one,” said Rakocevic. “When consumers buy something, they should have the full rights of ownership, which includes manuals and the ability to have their product repaired, when and however they want.”
“Farmers need to have access to technical information and parts for equipment that they have purchased. It is essential,” said Vanthof. “This bill would help ensure that.”
“With skyrocketing cost of living, Ontarians simply can’t afford to pay hundreds and thousands in unfair premium costs for repairs,” said Karpoche. “We cannot keep letting big corporations and manufacturers gouge hard-working Ontarians for the sake of profit. It’s time to implement these fair and sustainable right to repair measures.”
Consumers are currently stuck paying hefty amounts to service their equipment, electronics, devices, etc. Big corporations and manufacturers use proprietary maintenance and repair software, tools, and manuals that lock customers into expensive services and prevent them from making repairs themselves or through third parties.
Additional quotes:
Drew Spoelstra, President of Ontario Federation of Agriculture
“Ontario farmers need affordable access to replacement parts, software and tools used to maintain, diagnose and repair our farm equipment. It is not always practical or timely to bring large farm equipment to the original equipment manufacturer or dealership for regular maintenance or repairs. The amendments to the Consumer Protection Act provide the clear direction that is necessary to ensure independent shop and equipment owner repairs are affordable and accessible to farmers in every area of the province.”
Latest posts
QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP Affordability critic Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park) joined advocates and community members to announce the Homelessness Task Force Act, 2024.
NDP calls out province’s harmful child care funding delays for leaving parents and providers in the lurch
TORONTO – Official Opposition NDP MPP Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park) joined parents, providers and advocates outside Sunnyside Garden Daycare, calling on the province to immediately release the child care funding formula and provide emergency funding for this local daycare at risk of closure.
NDP calls for cheaper fares and better service for UP Express riders left out of province’s OneFare program
TORONTO – Official Opposition NDP MPPs are calling for cheaper fares and better service for UP Express riders in their latest legislation.