Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canola farmers are pleased with the passage of two bills that have direct implications for the right for diagnosis, maintenance, repair, and interoperability of farm machinery. Companion Bills C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance, and repair), and C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability), both passed Third Reading in the Senate and await Royal Assent.
“The passage of these bills will support farmers during their most time-sensitive seasons, including seeding and harvest,” says Dave Carey, Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations at Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “Bill C-244 will help provide a choice of who can diagnose and repair farmers’ equipment, saving them critical time and helping to reduce prices by allowing for competition. Bill C-294 will allow farm equipment from different manufacturers to communicate with each other, enhancing equipment choices for farmers, thereby driving competition and innovation.”
The amendments contained in these bills create an opportunity for farmers to diagnose, repair, and integrate their own equipment. It helps enable farmers and third-party vendors to have reasonable access to both the proprietary software and technical documentation required to conduct all repairs on modern farm equipment, expanding access to equipment repair options for farmers.
“Many of our farms and fields are far from original equipment manufacturers’ designated repair services, many who have long waiting lists, leaving farmers with expensive downtime waiting for service,” says Roger Chevraux, Chair of CCGA. “Canola farmers appreciate the broad support these bills received both in the House of Commons and the Senate. Ultimately, they will improve the competitiveness of Canadian farmers.”