Quebec law proves you can fix what’s broken

Opinion

If you travel to Livermore, Calif., you can find proof that it’s possible to make something which lasts — the “Centennial Light” an incandescent light bulb which has been glowing pretty much continuously there since it was first turned on in 1901.

Turned off only for short periods over the past 124 years, its luminescence, though diminished over time, endures. The bulb’s longevity is attributed to a few factors, one of which is that, well, it was just built very well in the first place.

Those aware of the Centennial Light may find its example spring to mind as they change out inferior, modern bulbs, as well as toss microwaves, toasters, coffee pots and pricey electronics far too often after those products’ lifespans ended up being disappointingly short.

Fortunately for residents of Quebec, though, expectations for product quality — and for keeping those products running — are getting higher.

The province’s new “right to repair” law is now in force. Part of amendments to Quebec’s consumer protection law, it updates Quebec’s existing laws so that, in addition to requiring manufacturers to say whether replacement parts and repair services are available before the item is sold, customers will now have access to information which lets them handle repairs on their own.

Spare parts and repair services, according to the Quebec government, have to be available at a reasonable price, and parts must be replaceable using common tools. On top of that, the law institutes performance guarantees for several types of goods, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, which can be repaired for free if they fail during an established warranty period.

It’s part of a push by Quebec to fight against planned obsolescence — the deliberate manufacturing of a product with a shorter lifespan.

It’s an excellent move, and one the rest of Canada should copy. There is some federal right-to-repair legislation, which allows individuals and businesses to repair technology with copyrighted materials without infringing on those copyrights. Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Act contains provisions for the repair of motor vehicles. But these are highly specific applications of the concept, and the reality is, planned obsolescence is everywhere.

An obvious modern example is found in the smartphone industry — consumers are well aware that when Apple, Samsung or Google breathlessly announce a new phone, another one will be unveiled the year after. Even if you hold out and refuse to buy a new phone every year, your current phone no doubt starts to lag and struggle to hold a charge after a couple of years. Consumers International (CI) also notes that manufacturers will build their products with incompatible screws, or refuse to share repair manuals, in order to stymie consumer efforts to fix their own property — forcing them to use pricey, authorized repair services or buy a whole new item.

CI also notes on its website the problem is getting worse, with “the number of defective appliances replaced within five years increasing from 3.5 per cent in 2004 to 8.3 per cent in 2013.”

It is a shame that it ever grew to be this bad, but part of the reason it did is because governments of the past failed to put checks on manufacturers. We cannot keep stuffing landfills with subpar, broken goods because it is less hassle and more profit for a company to sell you a new toaster than it is to let you fix your old one.

Quebec is taking a stand against this profit- before-people attitude. Time for other provinces to step up to do the same.

Because a light bulb you buy today should not be burning out before the tired, old Centennial Light does.