Should Alberta Strengthen Right to Repair, Lemon Laws, and Credit Protections?

Official title: Strengthening consumer protection engagement

Open Policy & Studies Finance & Consumer Justice & Rights
Alberta is exploring three consumer protection upgrades. First, right to repair—letting you fix your own phone, tractor, or appliances instead of paying authorized dealers. Second, lemon laws for new vehicles that keep breaking down. Third, credit freezes to stop identity theft and protections against coerced debt from human trafficking or elder abuse. The government is looking at what Quebec and Ontario have already done.

Why This Matters

Ever been told only the manufacturer can fix your phone or tractor? That could change. Bought a new car that's constantly in the shop? You might get real recourse. Worried about identity theft? Credit freezes could let you lock down your credit report. If you've seen a loved one forced into debt through abuse, new protections could help.

What Could Change

The Consumer Protection Act could be amended to require manufacturers to share repair manuals and parts. New lemon law rules might force dealers to replace or refund chronically defective vehicles. Albertans could gain the right to freeze their credit reports, like Quebecers and Ontarians already can. New rules could void debts incurred through coercion or exploitation.

Key Issues

  • Should consumers have the right to repair their own products or use independent repair shops?
  • What protections should exist for buyers of new vehicles that require repeated serious repairs?
  • Should Albertans be able to freeze their credit reports to prevent identity theft?
  • How should the law protect victims of coerced debt from human trafficking or elder abuse?

How to Participate

  1. Review the consultation overview to understand the three areas being explored: right to repair, lemon laws, and credit protections.
  2. Watch for upcoming surveys and virtual meetings. The government will be reaching out to industry, consumer, and Indigenous organizations for targeted feedback.