Quebec Tables Bill On Planned Obsolescence And Right To Repair

On June 1, 2023, the Government of Quebec tabled Bill 29 (Bill), an Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods, before the National Assembly of Quebec. The Bill proposes important amendments to Quebec's existing Consumer Protection Act. If passed, the Bill will impose new restrictions, warranties and disclosure obligations on merchants and manufacturers selling goods to consumers in Quebec.

Key features of the Bill include:

• Planned Obsolescence. The Bill would make it a prohibited practice to use planned obsolescence techniques, meaning techniques that would reduce the normal operating life of a good. The Bill would also make it a prohibited practice to manufacture or offer these goods to consumers, whether through sale or lease.