Québec Bill 29 – A Potential Right To Repair And Planned Obsolescence Ban That Would Affect Appliances And Electronics

The Province of Québec is known for the generous protections afforded under its Consumer Protection Act¹ (the "QCPA"), including certain statutory warranties of durability and fitness for purpose that may not be avoided or disclaimed by companies doing business in the Province.² This robust regime may yet become even stronger with the tabling of Bill 29 – An Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods.³

This is not the first time legislation enshrining these concepts is proposed,⁴ although prior attempts were the initiative of individual MPs, whereas the current legislation emanates from the Government and seems to carry more traction, based notably on popular concepts of sustainability, environmental protection and consumer rights. Work on the Bill is expected to resume when the National Assembly reconvenes in the fall of 2023.