The Right to Repair

Understanding challenges, policies, and how you can get involved.

Event Recap: "The Right to Repair" Forum

On July 29, 2023, UBC's Robson Square hosted a free sustainability forum featuring Michelle Kaczmarek and Neha Sharma-Masarenhas (Ph.D. candidates). They presented the "Falling To Fix" report (PDF, 3 MB) and led a panel on industry tactics, circular-economy policies, and community repair cafés.

The event brought together experts from:

• The Bike Kitchen
• UBC Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES)
• UBC E-Kitchen
• Share Reuse Repair Initiative (SRRI)
• Our Community Bikes

Attendees also joined small breakout workshops to explore repair politics, repair cultures, industry economics, and more — all over a light lunch.

Why Don't We Have the Right to Repair?

Many manufacturers and corporations oppose Right to Repair laws. Common tactics include:

• Lobbying: Funding campaigns and hiring lobbyists to influence lawmakers.
• Intellectual-Property Claims: Arguing repair manuals or spare parts infringe on proprietary rights.
• Safety & Security Concerns: Claiming unauthorized repairs risk consumer safety.
• Trade-Agreement Influence: Shaping treaties to restrict repair information across borders.
• Proprietary Design: Using unique screws or sealed components to block third-party repairs.
• Fear of Revenue Loss: Protecting in-house repair services from competition.
• PR Campaigns: Highlighting risks of "unauthorized" fixes and promoting official services.
• Contractual Restrictions: Limiting user rights through purchase agreements (e.g., some EVs, farm equipment).

Despite these barriers, the Right to Repair movement is growing as consumers, small businesses, and activists push for fair repair access, stronger competition, and reduced electronic waste.

Further Reading & Resources

• Giving Canadians the Right to Repair (The Conversation)
• Canada's Right to Repair Bill Explained (Farmtario)
• 6 Ways to Stop Planned Obsolescence (PIRG)
• CanRepair — National Right to Repair Hub
• Download the "Falling To Fix Report" (PDF, 3 MB)

France's Anti-Waste Law & the Right to Repair

In early 2020, France adopted the Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy, which includes robust Right to Repair measures:

• Repairability Index: Products like smartphones, laptops, and appliances must display a score (1–10) indicating how easy they are to repair.
• Access to Information: Manufacturers must provide repair manuals and diagnostics to professional repairers.
• Spare-Parts Availability: Essential parts must remain on sale for a defined period after discontinuation.
• Ban on Planned Obsolescence: Companies found guilty can face fines or imprisonment.
• Repair Incentives: Reduced VAT on repair services to make fixes more affordable.