Canadian Association Launches Right To Repair Election Campaign

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has launched a campaign to make “Right to Repair” an election issue.
In an e-mail communiqu, association president Marc Brazeau urges members of the association and its supporters for “your personal support and engagement in a grassroots campaign where together we can make a difference.
“We need your help and your involvement like never before to raise awareness of the Right to Repair campaign in communities and ridings across this country where you and your customers keep Canadians safely on the road each and every day.”
The association has prepared an “Election ’08 Tool Kit” which includes information outlining the steps that individuals can take to communicate directly with candidates from all political parties prior to the federal election on October 14th.
The information can be downloaded from the association’s website at www.aiacanada.com.
Currenly, many automakers restrict access to tools and repair information to their respective dealer networks. In the U.S. a voluntary agreement is in place that permits the independent repair sector access to tools and equipment required to repair current model cars. In Europe a legislated Motor Vehicle Block Exemption provides similar access.
The association also plans media releases and other activities to build awareness around the issue, with the basic message that the current lack of full access in Canada restricts a consumers right to choose where they can have their vehicle repaired effectively.
The association has asked industry members to circulate the information widely.
“Please forward this email to your employees, your customers, your members, your franchisees, your friends and your neighbours. There are close to 20 million vehicles on the road in Canada today that translates into a lot of potential votes for the various party candidates,” said Brazeau.