Advocacy

Right to Repair

Farmers depend on their equipment to work during critical seasons like seeding and harvest. Having access to the tools needed to repair one’s farm equipment, such as tractors and combines, is crucial. There is a long history of producers repairing their mechanical equipment. However, with the digitization of farm equipment, farmers have been left behind in their ability to diagnose and repair issues.  Passing right to repair policies ensures that grain farmers can repair their equipment which they have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars on.  Furthermore, allowing access to the software needed to repair today’s equipment will also encourage competition in the marketplace, allowing producers to have greater access to repair options in their regions.

Government support for policies prioritizing farmers’ right to repair their machinery is essential.

GGC’s Position

At GGC, we stand firmly in support of legislation like Bill C-244 and C-294, which promote farmers’ ability to diagnose and repair their own equipment.

Supplemental Information

Status

November 21, 2023  – The latest update from the Canadian government in the Fall Economic Statement is a step forward. The inclusion of amendments to the Competition Act is one step in giving the right to repair to grain farmers across the country.

Bill C-244: An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)

This legislation would create a right to repair framework for provinces to pass their targeted right to repair policies. It is the most widely encompassing right to repair legislation currently being debated.

Passed third reading in the House of Commons on October 18, 2023. The Bill was introduced in the Senate on October 19, 2023.

Bill C-294: An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability) 

This legislation would allow for the interoperability of equipment and parts. Currently, there are manufacturers of equipment who disallow the use of parts by other companies.

Passed third reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The Bill was introduced in the Senate on June 15, 2023.