Comprehensive Right to Repair: The Fight Against Planned Obsolescence in Canada

The comprehensive right to repair—one that addresses overconsumption and enables a circular economy—is an integral part of climate change policy in Canada. Where it is traditionally approached from an economic perspective, this article presents the right to repair as an instrument of environmental law. This reframing looks to France’s Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law for structural and substantive elements of such legislation. Further, this article examines previous attempts to legislate the right to repair in Canada and explores how an overarching environmental purpose aids in overcoming political and jurisdictional barriers to its implementation. Ultimately, this article advocates for realization of a comprehensive right to repair through the updating of multiple pieces of existing federal legislation

Comprehensive Right to Repair: The Fight Against Planned Obsolescence in Canada

The comprehensive right to repair—one that addresses overconsumption and enables a circular economy—is an integral part of climate change policy in Canada. Where it is traditionally approached from an economic perspective, this article presents the right to repair as an instrument of environmental law. This reframing looks to France’s Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law for structural and substantive elements of such legislation. Further, this article examines previous attempts to legislate the right to repair in Canada and explores how an overarching environmental purpose aids in overcoming political and jurisdictional barriers to its implementation. Ultimately, this article advocates for realization of a comprehensive right to repair through the updating of multiple pieces of existing federal legislation