Montreal, September 12, 2023 - Option consommateurs calls on the government to strengthen Bill 29 on the programmed obsolescence, durability and reparability of goods.
In its brief to the National Assembly, Option consommateurs expresses concern that the duration of the new guarantee of good working order, which will be determined by regulation once the bill is passed, will be too short to have a positive effect on the sustainability of consumer goods in Quebec.
"To enable consumers to give a second life to their appliances, Bill 29 must ensure that retailers are obliged to repair a defective good and supply replacement parts for a sufficiently long period," says Christian Corbeil, General Manager ofOption consommateurs.
In addition, Option consommateurs calls 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," adds Alexandre Plourde, lawyer and analyst at Option consommateurs.
Option consommateurs also proposes 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 extend the new lemon guarantee and to increase penalties for offending companies.
"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," concludes Christian Corbeil, General Manager ofOption consommateurs.
About usOption consommateurs
Founded in 1983, Option consommateurs is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers and defending their rights. It focuses on issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.
For more information or to arrange an interview
Marie-Eve Dumont, Director of Communications
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