Ottawa, Ontario, March 12, 2026 – The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) welcomes the Government of Manitoba’s introduction of Right to Repair legislation, marking an important step toward protecting consumers and supporting local businesses across the province.

Through Bill 15, the Consumer Protection Amendment Act, Manitoba’s approach will establish a sector-by-sector regulatory framework focused initially on ensuring access to repair information and parts. While the legislation does not reference any specific industry, it lays out the groundwork for sector-specific regulations to be developed through future stakeholder engagement. This deliberate and practical first step aligns with broader Right to Repair efforts underway in other jurisdictions and reflects growing recognition of the need for fair and competitive repair markets.

AIA Canada is appreciative of Minister of Public Services Delivery, Mintu Sandhu and the Government of Manitoba for taking a leadership role in advancing legislation that strengthens consumer choice and reinforces the role of independent repair businesses. Manitoba’s action demonstrates how governments can move decisively to address this issue and deliver real, practical benefits for Canadians, even as national discussions continue regarding a harmonized federal framework.

The auto care sector plays a significant role in Manitoba’s economy, contributing more than $1.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 18,282 jobs across the province. Many of these businesses operate in rural and underserved communities, where access to affordable and timely vehicle repair is essential.

For consumers, the Right to Repair protections can deliver meaningful cost savings. Independent repair facilities can help motorists save up to 30 per cent on common repairs, or as much as $500 per visit. For labour-intensive or complex repairs, savings can reach up to 80 percent when aftermarket parts are used. In rural communities, these savings can be the difference between affordable mobility and significant financial strain.

A recent report from MNP on the Right to Repair highlights the real-world implications for Manitoba families. For example, a rural motorist in Teulon who relies on a local independent repair shop for her 2015 vehicle currently spends approximately $1,750 annually to keep it on the road. If forced to travel to a dealership 50 kilometres away, she could face an additional $460 in annual service costs, approximately $215 per visit in fuel costs and lost wages, longer turnaround times, and fewer scheduling options. With two to three service visits per year, her total repair costs could increase by 50 per cent or more.

The business implications are equally significant. When independent repair shops are unable to service modern vehicles because manufacturers control access to software and repair data, the financial impact is substantial. A rural shop that loses just one repair per week can experience a 16 percent reduction in annual profit. For urban shops, the loss of one repair per week represents a 9 percent reduction in annual profit. Nationally, restricted access to repair data translates into an estimated $336 million in lost profits each year. The higher proportional impact on rural businesses underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access across all regions of the province.