A pair of bills related to interoperability of farm equipment and right-to-repair passed in the Senate.
Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada, says Bills C-244 and C-294 amend the Copyright Act. C-244 allows farmers access to diagnostic software to repair sophisticated equipment such as tractors, combines, and sprayers, while C-294 encourages interoperability, or the ability to put on a combine header from one manufacturer on a combine from another manufacturer for example, of parts and farm equipment. The GGC says in a statement “together, these Bills enshrine the right to repair, helping farmers manage their operations sustainably and independently.”
“It’s a really good day for farmers and a really good day for right-to-repair,” Larkin added.
It’s a long time coming for both private members bills. Both C-244, introduced by BC Liberal MP Wilson Miao, and C-294, introduced by Tory Saskatchewan MP Jeremy Patzer, were brought forward in the House of Commons in 2022. Larkin says the organization supported them since the beginning, advocating for the passage of these bills in committee meetings.
“The great news is that both bills passed with unanimous support in both chambers, so a lot of support from Members of Parliament and Senators; really they understood the need for right-to-repair for farmers and the difficulties that grain farmers are facing almost on a daily basis, especially during critical times of the year like seeding and harvest.” Larkin said.
Larkin also says both will save farmers thousands of dollars on costs related to annual subscriptions for software programs and getting specific parts for a specific piece of equipment.
“A very good thing to celebrate. We’re often times talking about these private member bills and shaking our head as to whether they’re good or bad legislation. I think overwhelmingly among farmers these will been seen as good pieces of legislation and an important amendment to Copyright.” said Kevin Hursh, Chief Agricultural Editor of SaskAgToday.com during the latest episode of the SaskAgToday.com Roundtable on Friday.
C-244 and C-294 are awaiting royal assent to officially become law.