12 September 2023
Bill 29 must be strengthened to extend the life of consumer goods in Quebec
Option consommateurs calls on the government to strengthen Bill 29 on programmed obsolescence, durability and reparability of goods.
In its brief submitted to the National Assembly, Option consommateurs expresses concern that the duration of the new warranty of good working order, which will be determined by regulation once the bill is passed, is too short to have a positive effect on the sustainability of consumer goods in Quebec.
''To enable consumers to give their appliances a second life, Bill 29 must ensure that merchants are obliged to repair defective goods and supply replacement parts for a sufficiently long period.''
Christian Corbeil
Executive Director of Option consommateurs
In addition, Option consommateurs is calling for repair information to be freely available on the Internet, free of charge
Bill 29 must remove the possibility for manufacturers to charge a fee for disclosing the information needed to maintain or repair a product. It is unacceptable that consumers should have to pay an additional amount to obtain a repair manual.”
Alexandre Plourde
lawyer and analyst at Option consommateurs
Option consommateurs is also proposing a series of improvements to the bill to help consumers assert their rights already provided for in the Consumer Protection Act with regard to the durability of goods, to expand the new lemon warranty and to increase the penalties applicable to offending businesses.
“It is crucial that this bill be accompanied by a significant increase in the financial resources allocated to the Office de la protection du consommateur to ensure compliance with these new obligations.”
Christian Corbeil
Executive Director of Option consommateurs
About Option consommateurs
Founded in 1983, Option consommateurs is a non-profit association dedicated to helping consumers and defending their rights. It focuses on issues related to personal finances, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.
For more information or an interview :
Marie-Ève Dumont, Communications Director
514-777-6133