By Emily Holtby

2025 was a defining year for Canada’s auto care industry. As the country navigated trade uncertainty, a federal election, and persistent affordability pressures, the sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership, and AIA Canada put one issue firmly on the national agenda: the right to repair.

From the outset of the election cycle, the industry made it clear that fair access to vehicle repair data, tools, and parts is essential for affordability and competitiveness. Independent repairers and small businesses across the country opened their doors to political candidates, illustrating how Right to Repair supports lower costs for drivers, strengthens local economies, and ensures consumer choice in an increasingly complex vehicle landscape. Their stories helped shift Right to Repair from a technical debate to a mainstream election issue with broad public relevance.

The 2025 federal election placed affordability and economic security at the centre of a national discussion. As the newly re-elected government set out its priorities, the auto care sector underscored how Right to Repair aligns with Canada’s goals for domestic industry support, innovation, and sustainability. Ensuring that independent service providers can continue to repair modern vehicles is not only a consumer protection issue; it is a cornerstone of a competitive, future-ready auto care ecosystem.

Budget 2025 amplified this conversation. As tariffs and global supply chain pressures continued to affect parts availability and repair costs, industry leaders called for federal investment and legislative action to strengthen repair access. The sector emphasized that predictable, fair access to vehicle data is one of the most efficient ways to stabilize costs for Canadian drivers while supporting thousands of skilled trades jobs.

A major milestone came on October 5, when Quebec’s Right to Repair regulations took effect. These regulations represent a significant achievement for repair accessibility in Canada and provide a roadmap for national policy development. Across the country, shops and suppliers watched closely, recognizing the potential for similar frameworks to support fairness and innovation nationwide.

The achievements of 2025 demonstrated the power of collective industry leadership. As Canada heads into 2026, the auto care sector stands united in its call for national Right to Repair legislation and a more affordable, competitive future for all Canadians. To learn more, visit righttorepair.ca

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