Should Alberta Strengthen Consumer Protections for Repairs, Lemon Laws, and Credit?
Official title: Strengthening consumer protection engagement
Alberta is exploring three consumer protection issues: right to repair (letting you fix your own stuff or use independent repair shops), lemon laws (protection when new vehicles need repeated repairs), and credit protections (including credit freezes and protection against coerced debt). The government wants to hear from industry and consumer groups before potentially updating the Consumer Protection Act.
Why This Matters
Ever been told only the manufacturer can fix your tractor or phone? That could change. Bought a new car that keeps breaking down? Alberta might give you more options. Worried about identity theft or someone opening credit in your name? Credit freezes could become available here like they are in Quebec and Ontario.
What Could Change
The Consumer Protection Act could be amended to require manufacturers to share repair manuals and parts with independent shops. New lemon laws might force dealers to replace or refund vehicles with repeated defects. Albertans could gain the right to freeze their credit reports, blocking new accounts from being opened without consent.
Key Issues
- Should manufacturers be required to let consumers and independent shops repair products?
- What protections should exist when new vehicles need repeated or serious repairs?
- Should Albertans be able to freeze their credit to prevent identity theft?
- How should victims of coerced debt (human trafficking, elder abuse) be protected?
How to Participate
- The government is conducting targeted engagement with industry, consumer organizations, and Indigenous communities through surveys and virtual meetings. Watch for announcements from Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction about how to participate.