In Quebec, the right to repair is enforceable. As of October 5, 2025, merchants and manufacturers must keep replacement parts, repair services, and the know-how to fix goods available for a reasonable period and at a reasonable price. Those parts must be installable with commonly available tools, and when they aren’t provided, consumers can formally demand a repair. The supplier then has 10 days to respond in writing with a timeline; if they don’t, the consumer may have the product repaired by a third party at the merchant’s expense.
In essence, the bill prohibits any technique aimed at reducing the operating life of a product, known as planned obsolescence. It bans the manufacturing, sale, or lease of goods with a definite obsolescence time.
Warranty of good working order. Québec’s Bill 29 establishes a legal warranty of good working order for certain prescribed goods, including household appliances and consumer electronics (e.g., televisions, computers, and game consoles). Manufacturers and merchants must disclose the warranty information to consumers. If a product fails during the warranty period, the consumer may request a repair, replacement, or refund.
The duration by product category will be set by regulation. A draft regulation was published on July 16, 2025, and the new durations are expected to apply starting October 2026, once finalized. We’ll update this section when the final regulation is published.
Additionally, the bill enhances the existing warranty in the Consumer Protection Act regarding the availability of replacement parts, repair services, and information necessary for maintenance or repair. Merchants and manufacturers must guarantee the availability of these parts, services, and information for a reasonable period after the sale or lease.
Along with other jurisdictions across North America, Quebec’s Bill 29 integrates right-to-repair elements. If a merchant or manufacturer does not allow parts replacement, repair services, or repair information, the consumer can request their repair free of charge.
As a result, the merchant or manufacturer must respond within ten days with a timeframe for repair. As discussed above, failure to respond or meet the proposed timeframe allows the consumer may demand repair; the merchant or manufacturer must respond in writing within 10 days with a repair timeframe. If they don’t, the consumer may have the product repaired by a third party at the merchant’s expense.
Merchants must clearly disclose online and at/near the advertised price whether parts, repair services, and repair information are fully, partially, or not available, and—when in force—the duration of the good-working-order warranty for covered goods. The OPC has issued practical guidance and examples for these disclosures.
Automobile manufacturers must provide free vehicle data access to the owner, long-term lessee, or repairer for diagnostic purposes, maintenance, or repair.
The provisions aim to prohibit planned obsolescence and enhance the durability and repairability of consumer goods in Quebec. Non-compliance may result in significant fines.
The bill introduces a regime for “seriously defective vehicles,” similar to lemon laws in the US. Consumers can request contract cancellation or a price reduction for vehicles that meet criteria, such as multiple unsuccessful repair attempts.
This law strives to provide the following benefits:
Environmental Benefits: the bill aims to reduce electronic waste and its environmental impact. It is crucial given the growing concerns about e-waste and the environment.
Economic Impact: The regulation supports the repair industry, potentially creating jobs and fostering a market for repair services. It can also save consumers money by reducing the need to purchase new products.
Consumer Empowerment: Finally, consumers gain more control over their products and can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance.
Quebec increased fines under the Consumer Protection Act: for some offences, up to 5% of worldwide turnover for the preceding fiscal year, plus new administrative monetary penalties; higher fine tiers have applied since January 2025. Directors and officers may face presumptive liability (with a due-diligence defence).
The Canadian Right to Repair Bill is a federal initiative to give consumers the right to repair their electronic devices and other products. While both bills share similar goals, their approach has differences and nuances.
Bill 29 in Quebec and the Canadian Right to Repair Bill are steps toward promoting the repairability of consumer goods and combating planned obsolescence. While they share common goals and similarities, each bill has unique aspects tailored to its jurisdiction. Together, these regulations represent a shift towards more sustainable consumer practices and greater empowerment for individuals to maintain and repair their products.
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