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2026 Parliament Hill Day: Mobilizing Federal Action for the Right to Repair

2026-parliament-hill-day-mobilizing-federal-action-for-the-right-to-repair

On February 5, AIA Canada members from across the country gathered on Parliament Hill for our annual Hill Day, meeting directly with Members of Parliament, senators, and senior officials to advance practical, actionable solutions related to the right to repair for Canada’s automotive maintenance and repair sector.

Why Parliament Hill Day Matters

AIA Canada’s presence on Parliament Hill is a key part of our government relations strategy. It ensures that decision-makers hear directly from the businesses on the front lines of the repair economy. Through these discussions, we highlighted the need to:

  • Promote fair competition and consumer choice nationwide
  • Support small businesses in communities from Vancouver to Saint John
  • Emphasize the economic impact of the right to repair on jobs and affordability
  • Advance federal legislation that complements provincial efforts and avoids a patchwork of regulations

These conversations are more critical than ever as broader decisions related to digital access, trade, and economic policy take shape in 2026.

New Insights: Unlocking Access

During Parliament Hill Day, MNP released its report, Unlocking Access: Why the Right to Repair Is Essential for Every Vehicle Owner, highlighting the risks to affordability, consumer choice, and jobs in the absence of federal action. Key findings shared with decision-makers included:

  • Drivers can save up to 30 percent (or $500) on common repairs—and up to 80 percent on complex repairs—when aftermarket parts are used at independent repair shops

  • Limited access to repair data could cost independent shops up to $336 million annually in lost profits nationwide
  • Rural drivers and emergency fleet operators face higher service costs, making independent repairers essential in areas where dealerships are located hours away

These findings strengthened our advocacy discussions with Members of Parliament and senior officials.

The release of the report received significant media coverage, including from La Presse Canadienne, the National Post, the Journal de Montréal, Indie Garage, and Autosphere.

Moving Forward

The right to repair was AIA Canada’s top advocacy priority in 2025, supported by federal election engagement through the marchesecondairevote.ca campaign, collaboration with provincial and international partners, and direct support for members navigating Quebec’s new regulations.

In 2026, our priority is to advance federal right-to-repair legislation, expand member engagement with Members of Parliament, and respond to broader market pressures, including trade, supply chains, and the transition to electric vehicles.

As automotive technology evolves, AIA Canada remains committed to establishing a coherent federal framework that supports independent repairers and ensures a competitive and accessible future for automotive maintenance and repair in Canada.

(Photo : APMA)

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