Bio: Keldon Bester is the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP), a think tank dedicated to addressing the issue of monopoly in Canada, and a fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). He has worked as a special advisor at Canada’s Competition Bureau and as a fellow at the Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C.

Abstract: The right to repair is a key component of anti-monopoly policy efforts at home and abroad to reclaim agency over the markets around us. Overlapping developments in the anti-monopoly policy and right to repair space signal that there is opportunity for these policy movements to work together more closely towards a greater positive impact in Canada. This talk will propose how we might make the best of these opportunities while surfacing potential tensions between these and other related policy movements. 

Bio: Brad Callaghan has over a decade of experience at the Competition Bureau of Canada. In his present role as an Associate Deputy Commissioner, he leads the directorate responsible for the Bureau's advocacy initiatives, providing input into departmental and government-wide policy initiatives, overseeing the Bureau's parliamentary relations, and advancing the Bureau's strategic planning.

Brad is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and holds an LLB from Dalhousie Law School, as well as degrees in History and Physical and Health Education, from Queen's University. Prior to serving at the Bureau, worked as a civil litigator and at a public administration consultancy.

Abstract: This presentation looks at the Right to Repair through a competition policy lens from the perspective of the Competition Bureau of Canada. It discusses how the ability to switch products and service providers supports the competitive process, and how repair restrictions may raise competition considerations related to consumer choice, lock‑in, and access to aftermarket repair and maintenance services. The presentation outlines how the Bureau’s competition promotion and enforcement mandates relate to Right to Repair, including advocacy on interoperability and data portability, and the enforcement of the amended Competition Act provision on refusals to deal, including access to diagnostic and repair tools. It will also touch on the respective roles of competition law and broader government action. 

Bio: Geoffrey Hendra is the Manger of Reporting, Analytics, and the Post-Purchase Program at Canadian Tire Corporation in Toronto. Geoffrey completed his Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 2014. He has been a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario since 2019. He completed his MBA at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in 2023. Since joining Canadian Tire in 2018, Geoffrey has held progressive roles within the Product Quality Assurance department where he has managed the Post-Purchase Program since 2020.

Abstract: Canadian Tire Corporation’s Post-Purchase Program offers replacement parts and repairs on a small selection of Owned Brand products. The program drives customer service, brand loyalty, sustainability, and cost savings. Environmental considerations and right-to-repair legislation are raising demand for repairability of a broader assortment of products. This increased demand poses both challenges and opportunities. The challenges include cost, nationwide consistency, repair turnaround time, and liability. The opportunities include customer’s desire for sustainability, increased value of repairs in a challenging economy, and meeting right-to-repair legislation requirements. The presentation will showcase these challenges and opportunities from the perspective one of Canada’s most iconic and trusted companies, Canadian Tire Corporation. 

Bio: Hugues Mousseau is a communications and government relations consultant with 25 years of experience influencing public policy and opinion. In recent years, he has supported Belron Canada (Speedy Glass) in securing the adoption of right-to-repair legislation across Canada, ensuring that Canadian drivers can choose their preferred provider to diagnose, repair, and maintain their vehicles.

Abstract: As one of the largest household expenses in Canada, vehicle ownership demands stronger consumer protection, and the right to repair is central to that goal. Speaking on behalf of Belron Canada (Speedy Glass and Lebeau Vitres d’autos), Hugues argues that independent local businesses across the country depend on fair access to repair data and tools to remain competitive and serve their communities. Using the automotive glass sector as a mini-case study, he examines how rapid technological advances are reshaping the industry and making the case that legislation is the only sustainable path to preserving healthy market competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers across urban and rural communities.