Quebec tables bill to adopt universal charging standard for smartphones
The days of missing the right charger for your cellphone could be a thing of the past in Quebec.
A new bill tabled in the provincial legislature Thursday aims to amend the Consumer Protection Act to require universal charging for devices like smartphones and tablets.
According to Bill 29, An Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods, would give Quebec the "regulatory power to determine technical or manufacturing standards for goods, including standards for interoperability between goods and chargers."
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette introduced the bill.
The federal government already has its eyes set on a similar law. Tucked into the March 2023 budget, the Liberal government announced plans to implement a standard charging port across Canada in order to save Canadians money and reduce electronic waste.
Last year, the European Parliament passed a law to force Apple and other cellphone manufacturers to adopt the USB-C charging standard, which is already used by many Android devices around the world. The new EU law will take effect on Dec. 28, 2024.
PROTECTIONS FOR CAR OWNERS
Bill 29 has several other provisions aimed at preventing what the government calls "planned obsolescence" or, in other words, devices breaking down right after their warranties expire. If a company is found to be taking part in the practice, it could face sanctions under the Quebec law, if it is passed.
Minister Jolin-Barrette said he wants Quebec "to be a leader" in the consumer protection field by introducing its own law, as other U.S. states have already done.
Marwah Rizqy, the Quebec Liberal Party's consumer protection critic, said she spoke with Jolin-Barrette about the bill and supports it.
"He said, 'It's a very good bill you introduced. Do you mind if I put my name on it?' I said, 'Go ahead, I have no ego' because we need the bill," she said in a press scrum Thursday.
"Consumers are tired and exhausted of paying [for] their dryer and washer, more than $4,000, and after four years, right after the warranty is over — oh, it doesn't work."
Bill 29 also brings in anti-lemon laws for cars owners. It will require manufacturers to provide a car's data and repair history for free. The proposed legislation would also mandate consumers who purchase a vehicle to be entitled to an inspection free of charge before the end of the lease.
The bill would force manufacturers to repair certain goods at "a reasonable price" to avoid having the consumer discard them all together.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.