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Bill 34: What Alberta’s Proposed Changes Mean For Dealers

October 29, 2026

Bill 34: What Alberta’s Proposed
Changes Mean For Dealers

The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 34 on October 28, 2026, including proposed changes regarding significant vehicle defects and access to repair information, parts, tools, and software.

The MDA is reviewing the bill and its potential impacts on Alberta dealerships and their customers.

The proposed changes are not yet in force.

The Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA)'s Ongoing Advocacy

Right-to-repair and lemon-law proposals have been a key priority of the MDA’s ongoing Government Relations Plan with the Provincial Government. The MDA has been engaged on these issues for several years, working with its government relations partners, national dealer representatives and manufacturers to monitor developments, develop policy positions and advocate for Alberta dealerships.

This work has included:

Engagement with government
Preparation of policy principles and briefing materials for MLAs focused on consumer protection
Vehicle safety and clear responsibilities for dealers and manufacturers

With Bill 34 now introduced, we are building on that work to assess the specific provisions and advance practical changes on behalf of members.

The MDA's Position

The MDA supports meaningful consumer protection, fair access to repairs, and vehicle safety. Consumers and repair businesses also benefit from industry mechanisms that already exist:

CAMVAP, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan, provides a voluntary arbitration process for eligible disputes involving participating manufacturers and vehicle defects or warranty issues.
CASIS, the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard, is a voluntary industry agreement intended to provide the aftermarket repair sector access to manufacturer service and repair information.

These programs address different issues and are not identical to the proposed legislation. MDA believes new measures should build on what works, identify genuine gaps and avoid unnecessary duplication. We are also seeking clarity on manufacturer and dealer responsibilities, repair qualifications, the calibration of safety-critical systems, cybersecurity and theft prevention.

The MDA will advocate for manufacturers (OEMs) to be the primary focus of the obligations and deliverables under these regulations.

What Bill 34 Proposes

Vehicle defects (“lemon-law” provisions):
A court-based process could allow eligible owners to seek a declaration that a vehicle is unrepairable after specified unsuccessful warranty repairs or an extended loss of use. The bill sets eligibility criteria and gives courts discretion over remedies; it does not create an automatic refund for every complaint.

Right to repair:
A proposed framework would require manufacturers to provide qualifying repair materials, parts, tools, software, and technical information in defined circumstances. Key details—including which products are covered, eligibility rules and exemptions—remain subject to regulations.

If You Speak with your MLA

Lead with consumer protection:
“Dealers support fair outcomes for customers and accessible, safe repairs.”

Explain the existing landscape:
“CAMVAP and CASIS already provide important consumer and repair-industry mechanisms. Changes should be assessed alongside them.”

Ask for practical safeguards:
“Any new rules should preserve vehicle security, professional repair standards, proper calibration and clear responsibility for defects.”

What Happens Next

The MDA and its government relations partners are reviewing the published legislation, identifying specific issues and pursuing constructive discussions with decision-makers as the bill moves forward. We will keep members updated on material developments and opportunities to make their concerns heard. Please share any operational impacts or customer questions with MDA. If approached by a journalist, please direct the inquiry to MDA for a coordinated response.