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Alberta brings in new rules on car repairs, purchases

Click to play video: 'Alberta announces new rules on selling and repairing cars'
Alberta announces new rules on selling and repairing cars
WATCH: Minister of Service Alberta Brian Malkinson announces changes aimed at helping consumers feel more confident when buying a car or getting it fixed, including guidelines around disclosing previous damage and processes around repair estimates – Oct 25, 2018

Starting next week, there will be new rules in Alberta for selling autos or getting them fixed.

Service Alberta Minister Brian Malkinson says the changes go into effect on Wednesday and will increase transparency and better protect consumers.

READ MORE: Proposed bill demands transparency, accountability from Alberta auto industry

Sellers will have to give buyers the complete history of a vehicle, including major damage from accidents and whether the vehicle was used for commercial purpose.

Auto shops will have to provide written estimates when asked, and get a customer’s consent before starting repair work.

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All outstanding liens on a vehicle will have to be removed no later than a week after it’s sold, and there will be standardized agreements on deposits.

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READ MORE: Province announces review of Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council

Also next week, the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, which is the industry regulator, becomes a public agency to augment its oversight and enforcement powers.

The Motor Dealers’ Association of Alberta has said the new rules create a burdensome and uneven playing field.

READ MORE: NDP raise flags on pro-United Conservative Party PAC, auto dealer support

Members of the association are contributing to a third-party advertiser that supports Opposition United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney and hope to have the changes reviewed if Kenney’s party wins the spring election.

Malkinson says the changes are fair and prudent.

“A vast majority of dealerships and auto repair shops are already doing this. What we’re doing is codifying best practice,” Malkinson said Thursday.

“We’ve put in this legislation so that there is a trusted marketplace for your everyday Alberta consumer, and that shops and dealers are competing on an even playing field.”

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