Bill 22 (M-43)

Despite the fact that automobiles have been around for a century, it has only just clicked with the government that the garages and mechanics on whom the consumer is dependent for repairs and advice, are not all trustworthy.

For years there have been thousands of complaints against garages for bad practices and an article in the British "Which magazine" is an indictment of practices in British garages.

Why has it taken the various governments so long to institute legislation to protect the consumer? We know we are being ripped off, and so does the government, and yet it was only in 1988 that the Ontario government took steps to protect us.

No matter where you are in the world, if you think that garages and mechanics are taking advantage of you when you take your vehicle in for repair, then bring the matter to the attention of your local Member of Parliament or equivalent.

Here in Ontario, Canada, Bill 22 (M - 43) was enacted in 1988 as a step towards protecting the consumer against unscrupulous garages, and to a degree to protect the garages against consumers who were also a little less than honest themselves.

As a first step you could download a copy of Bill 22 and forward it to your MP, just so that he or she can see how small steps can help protect the consumer. Updates and amendments to the Bill up to June 2001 have been included. Bill 22 has effectively become M - 43.

This area of the womensgarage.com web site contains the complete updated "Bill 22" details and you are welcome to print out the page for your own information, or download a copy of the file for printing out later.

The next time you are planning to go to a garage to get your car repaired, know in advance what you SHOULD be getting from them. If you are in Ontario, and you are not receiving the information and services as laid out in the Bill, just show them a copy of the Bill!

All garages and mechanics should be aware of their obligations, after all, if it were not for the customer, none of them would be in business or even have jobs!