Montreal, Quebec — In preparation for Montreal’s Oct. 3 general election, the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada’s Quebec Division has three demands for incoming political candidates, citing structural inadequacies that leave the automotive industry unprepared for the mass arrival of electric vehicles (EVs).
These demands include owners’ rights to vehicle data, fighting planned obsolescence and supporting Quebec’s automotive workforce.
Owners’ rights to vehicle data would allow drivers to choose repair shops based on their ability rather than OEM service rights, with the data being a prerequisite for certain vehicle repairs.
Another demand is the extension of Bill 197 to include electric vehicle components and systems, allowing Quebeckers to claim compensation from OEMs for programmed obsolescence—an example being ink cartridges that electronically disable themselves despite being physically capable of printing.
Finally, AIA Canada asks for greater investment in automotive education and EV repair programs as well as access to skilled and unskilled foreign workers, citing the labour shortage as a threat which could lead to even more auto shops and retailers shutting their doors.
According to AIA Canada, Quebec specializes in the vehicle aftermarket sector, including sales and parts distribution along with maintenance and repair. They elaborate that the aftermarket sector has 90,900 workers who contribute to the local economy and support Quebec’s fleet of over 6 million vehicles—an industry whose survival depends on its ability to adapt to the arrival of electric vehicles.
To read AIA Canada’s original announcement, click here.
