Event Recap: "The Right to Repair" Forum
Right to Repair Sustainability Forum — UBC Robson Square
The forum featured Michelle Kaczmarek and Neha Sharma-Masarenhas (Ph.D. candidates), who presented the "Falling to Fix" report and led a panel on industry tactics, circular-economy policies, and community repair cafés.
Attendees also joined small breakout workshops exploring repair politics, repair cultures, and industry economics — all over a light lunch. Represented organisations included:
Why Don't We Have the Right to Repair?
Many manufacturers and corporations actively oppose Right to Repair legislation. The tactics they use are varied — and often effective. Understanding them is the first step to pushing back.
The good news: The Right to Repair movement is growing. Consumers, small businesses, farmers, and activists are pushing back — and winning. The EU, several US states, and other jurisdictions have begun passing repair-friendly legislation.
France's Anti-Waste Law & the Right to Repair
In early 2020, France adopted the Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy — one of the most comprehensive Right to Repair frameworks in the world. It includes five major measures that other countries are now watching closely:
Repairability Index
Smartphones, laptops, and appliances must display a repair score from 1–10, showing consumers how easy the product is to fix before they buy.
Access to Information
Manufacturers must provide repair manuals and diagnostic tools to professional repairers — not just their own authorised service centres.
Spare Parts Availability
Essential spare parts must remain on sale for a defined period after a product is discontinued — preventing premature obsolescence.
Ban on Planned Obsolescence
Companies found guilty of deliberately shortening product lifespans can face fines or imprisonment — a world first.
Repair Incentives
Reduced VAT on repair services makes fixing things more financially competitive with buying new — shifting the economic incentive.
France's Repairability Index — How It Works
Products are scored 1–10. Higher scores mean easier repair. Displayed on packaging at point of sale.
🔴 Difficult to repair
🟡 Moderate
🟢 Easy to repair
Why it matters: When repair scores appear at point of sale, consumers can factor repairability into purchasing decisions — the same way they factor in energy efficiency ratings. Market pressure then encourages manufacturers to design products that score higher.
Further Reading & Resources
- 🍁 Giving Canadians the Right to Repair — The Conversation How repair rights empower consumers, support competition, and benefit the environment.
- 🚜 Canada's Right to Repair Bill Explained — Farmtario What the Canadian bill means for farmers and equipment owners.
- 🛑 6 Ways to Stop Planned Obsolescence — PIRG Practical policy and consumer tools to fight deliberate product short-lifing.
- 🇨🇦 CanRepair — National Right to Repair Hub Canada's central advocacy hub for repair rights legislation and resources.
- 📄 Download: "Falling to Fix" Report — PIRG (PDF, 3 MB) The report presented at the July 2023 UBC forum on repair rights.
Related Reading
- 🍩 Doughnut Economics Kate Raworth's framework for meeting human needs within planetary limits.
- 📢 Whistleblowing in Canada How accountability systems work — and where they fall short.
- 📉 Wright's Law Why costs fall as production scales — relevant to the economics of repair vs. replace.
- 👁 Privacy My personal approach to digital privacy — tools, habits, and philosophy.
- 🔑 Password Tips Practical guidance for passwords that actually protect you.
- 💡 Wisdom Collected insights and principles from a long life of experience.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Ted Lee is fully retired. All professional licences (mutual funds, insurance, first aid) are no longer active. Views expressed are one person's perspective based on publicly available information. Always consult qualified professionals before making decisions.