Chair:

• Graham Reynolds: Associate Professor at UBC’s Peter Allard School of Law

Speakers:

• Dmytro Yazhuk: Manager, Electronics Recycling Association (Halifax)

• Daniel Cousins: Repair Café PEI and PEI Tool Library Community Organizer

• Julia Madden: Community Active Transportation Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre

• Julie- Christine Denoncourt: Policy Analyst in Source Reduction I Équiterre

The Panel Repair and the Environment featured a diverse set of leaders in environmental and sustainable movements from across the country. At the beginning of the panel, Dr. Graham Reyonalds, lead panellist, emphasized that “the connection between repair and the environment is critical, because we are living in a time of environmental crisis.” While this statement was grounded in reality, it also carried a sense of empowerment. This statement highlighted both the urgency and the shared commitment to addressing the barriers to repair as a part of the broader response to this environmental crisis.

Throughout the discussion, there was a large emphasis on the need for repair over replacing items. Dmytro Yazhuk explained that while it is important to ensure that when an item is unrepairable, they go through certified recycling, we must also ensure that we ask ourselves, “Can this product still be reused?” He emphasized that schools, libraries, and communities are often in need of technology; however, they lack the budget to obtain it. By asking ourselves whether a product needs to be recycled, we can help ensure that these products are processed securely and directed to individuals and organizations that need them. Similarly, Julie- Christine Denoncourt, a Policy analyst in Source Reduction I Équiterre, had collected data on consumers’ willingness to pay for information on repairability and durability.  Her research found that products that had better durability and repairability scores were likely to be chosen over other attributes. This reinforced the notion that consumers are more inclined to repair their devices when repair is readily accessible, in turn, extending product lifespan and reducing both waste and environmental impacts.

While both these speakers emphasized consumers' interest in extending product lifespan, panellist Daniel Cousins drew attention to the barriers that continue to hinder repair. Although they argued that “all clean technology,” in principle, “is repairable technology,” they also acknowledged that some, such as solar panels, can be difficult, if not impossible, to get repaired. Beyond this, Daniel also suggested that repair decisions are often influenced by perception and convenience rather than by cost alone. They used an example of a washing machine versus an iPhone. Although washing machines are often less expensive than a new iPhone, they are viewed as more repairable, as they are considered to be an essential household appliance, rather than a replaceable item.

At the same time, the discussion also highlighted that the accessibility barriers to repair still remain.  Panellist Julia Madden emphasized that while the majority of the bikes she deals with are older and easier to repair, there are issues regarding access with newer models due to the need for specialized tools. She stated, “The key point is that, if you have the tools and knowledge, you can repair.” The issue is that the average person does not have these resources. This perspective is closely aligned with earlier keynote speaker Brian Masse, as he highlighted that having limited access to tools and diagnostics is a major barrier to repair. As a result, this lack of access ultimately reduces consumer choice and pushes consumers towards more costly repair options.

Earlier, Brian Masse emphasized the need for strong legislation, a theme that carried into this panel discussion. Dr. Graham Reynolds posed a question asking the panellists what they felt were the most effective steps governments could take to support repair, whether that was in connection to the environment or more generally. This prompted a notable moment of consensus among the panellists, who largely agreed that legislation being passed would be the most effective course of action. What I found interesting is that Julie-Christine emphasized not only the need for legislation, but a strong piece of legislation. The tone in which she carried this out was very similar to how it seemed Brian Masse felt regarding the voluntary agreement (CASIS). In both aspects, it was clear that both speakers understood the weight of law and the idea that once you are anchored in law, it becomes very difficult to shift priorities and interests.

Dr. Reynolds stated at the beginning of the discussion, “actions taken now, including through repair, can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and respond to the growing environmental crisis.” Throughout the discussions, it was evident that this idea was shared among the panellists, who were brought together not only by a concern for the environment but by a commitment to advancing the right-to-repair movement as a key strategy in combating the growing environmental challenges.