Bill 197 against planned obsolescence and the right to repair - M.N.A. Guy Ouellette presents innovative bill to control planned obsolescence and the right to compensation

LAVAL, QC, April 10, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bill 197, against planned obsolescence and the right to compensation was tabled at the National Assembly today by the Member for Chomedey, Mr. Guy Ouellette.

Bill 197 seeks to amend the Consumer Protection Act to ensure greater sustainability of consumer products. Prior to the tabling of the bill, a petition was tabled on April 2nd, 2019 in the National Assembly and more than 45,000 signatures were collected. According to Mr. Ouellette, "the large number of signatories shows that planned obsolescence is a problem that preoccupies a large part of the population and it is all Quebeckers who will benefit from the bill against planned obsolescence and the right to compensation in terms of environment and consumption".

This bill, regulating the practices of obsolescence of property was conducted in collaboration with 51 law students from the University of Sherbrooke and their teacher, Mr. Jonathan Mayer during the course of legal interpretation. The member for Chomedey is proud to be part of such an innovative project, "it is a first in the history of legislation in Canada that students write a bill and it is presented to the National Assembly. This kind of school projects and practical involvement contributes to the professional development of future lawyers.

Mr. Ouellette will be accompanied by law students from the University of Sherbrooke; Lise Thériault, spokesperson for the official opposition for consumer protection; and Marwah Rizqy, spokesperson for the Quebec Liberal Party on the subject of education and higher education; Christine Labrie, Quebec Solidaire's spokesperson for education; Sylvain Gaudreault, Parti Québécois spokesperson on the environment and the fight against climate change as well as Catherine Fournier, an independent member for the riding of Marie Victorin.

Planned obsolescence

Planned obsolescence is an increasingly common practice whereby manufacturers of goods reduce the useful life of their products. In addition, suppliers deliberately make access to repair parts more difficult. These practices force overconsumption and have a significant direct impact on the environment as well as on the budget of Quebec consumers.

SOURCE Députés indépendants

Silvana Senattore, Bureau de circonscription de Guy Ouellette, 450-686-0166, [email protected]