A medical ‘right to repair’ in Canada could empower patients and enhance healthcare outcomes.

Imagine having to wait weeks or even months for a replacement battery or custom cushions for your wheelchair. This is the reality for thousands of Canadians with disabilities, not just for wheelchairs but also for other assistive devices like hearing aids and insulin pumps.

For those relying on devices like wheelchairs, fast and dependable repairs are essential for maintaining independence. In Ontario, one major issue is that the government holds a repair contract with only one wheelchair company, meaning any delays leave users without proper service and limited use of their wheelchairs.

Advocates for people with disabilities are calling on the Ontario government to open the repair contract to more providers. Another solution is for Ontario to adopt a right-to-repair law and support similar efforts at the federal level.

Consumer Empowerment

The right to repair gives individuals the ability to disassemble, modify, and repair software-enabled devices, either themselves or through independent repair shops. It requires manufacturers to make spare parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostic software available at reasonable prices. This right applies to a wide range of products, from farm equipment and vehicles to electronics and medical devices.

Ontario should consider establishing a medical right-to-repair law, which would allow qualified technicians, including those in hospitals, to fix essential medical equipment like powered wheelchairs, cochlear implants, and ventilators. Such legislation would also give users of medical and assistive devices the freedom to seek independent repairs without risking their warranties.

Ontario’s private member’s Bill 187 aims to amend the Consumer Protection Act, requiring manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the tools, parts, and software necessary to repair electronics, household appliances, wheelchairs, vehicles, and agricultural equipment.

A Key Election Issue

The right to repair, particularly for medical devices, should be a topic in the next Ontario provincial election. 

At the federal level, Canada is gradually moving toward right-to-repair legislation. The federal government has promised to introduce such a law in recent budgets, with public consultations planned to shape the policy.

The right to repair is not only an economic issue but also brings social and environmental benefits. Economically, it offers consumers more repair options and supports independent repair businesses, especially in smaller communities. Socially, it helps people develop repair skills and fosters innovation, while also keeping broken devices out of landfills.