New Right-to-Repair for Consumer Goods

Summary#

The Consumer Protection Amendment Act adds a “right-to-repair” rule for certain products sold in Manitoba. Its goal is to make it easier for buyers to fix the things they own by getting the tools, parts, manuals, and software needed for repair.

• Applies only to products the government later designates (“designated consumer goods”).
• Sellers or makers (called “suppliers”) must make repair tools, parts, manuals, and diagnostic software available to buyers for a set period, or for a reasonable time if no period is set.
• Manuals and other required information must be free in digital form; printed copies can have a reasonable fee.
• Suppliers must provide requested repair items within a set or reasonable time and cannot overcharge.
• A supplier may ask a buyer to sign a confidentiality agreement (a promise not to share) if trade secrets could be revealed.
• The government can set exceptions, safety and security limits, and require remedies like repair, replacement, or refunds when companies don’t follow the rules.
• Companies must disclose any exemptions to the buyer before the sale. The law starts on a date to be set later.

What it means for you#

• Consumers (buyers)

  • For designated products you buy after the law takes effect, you can request the parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostic software needed to fix them.
  • You should get these within a set time (if the government sets one) or within a reasonable time after you ask.
  • Digital manuals and required information must be free. If you want a printed copy, you can be charged a reasonable fee.
  • If a company has an exemption, it must tell you before you buy, in writing you can keep (for example, paper or email).
  • If a company breaks the rules, the government may require it to repair, replace, refund, or otherwise compensate you.
  • You may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving items that could reveal trade secrets.

• Independent repairers and DIY fixers

  • Buyers will be able to obtain repair materials for designated products. That can help you repair items yourself or take them to a shop.
  • Direct access for third-party shops is not guaranteed by the bill; the duty is to make repair materials available to the buyer.

• Manufacturers and retailers (suppliers)

  • Must make repair tools, parts, manuals, and diagnostic software available for designated goods for a set or reasonable time, and provide them within a set or reasonable time after a buyer asks.
  • Cannot charge more than a set amount (if one is set) or more than a reasonable amount. No fees for required information unless a printed copy is requested.
  • Can require a confidentiality agreement if providing repair materials could reveal trade secrets or proprietary information.
  • Must disclose any exemptions to the buyer before the sale, in a durable form.
  • May have to offer remedies (repair, replacement, refund, or compensation) if required by future rules.

• Scope and timing

  • Only applies to products named by the government in future rules.
  • Does not apply to sales made before the law takes effect.
  • Start date will be set later by the government.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Makes it easier and cheaper for people to fix the products they own, instead of paying high prices or replacing them.
• Extends product life and cuts electronic waste, which helps the environment.
• Supports local and independent repair shops, especially helpful in rural and remote areas.
• Can reduce wait times for repairs by giving buyers more options.
• Includes guardrails for safety, security, and trade secrets through confidentiality agreements and government-set limits.

Opponents' View#

• Sharing diagnostic software and repair tools could create safety or cybersecurity risks if misused.
• Risk that trade secrets or proprietary information could leak, even with confidentiality agreements.
• Compliance may be costly and complex for manufacturers and retailers, which could raise product prices.
• Uncertainty because the law applies only to designated products and uses “reasonable” time and fee standards unless specific limits are set.
• Concern about low-quality or counterfeit parts leading to poor repairs, more returns, or disputes over liability.