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e-4965 (Justice)

E-petition
Initiated by Alexander Pacholkiw from Guelph, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • An increasing number of companies require a constant internet connection directly to the publisher for their video games to be playable;
  • When companies end support for such games, they often render all purchased copies unplayable, a practice that is uncommon with traditional games;
  • Companies may implement planned obsolescence by withholding vital components and thus preventing consumers from repairing their copies of games;
  • This practice deprives consumers of basic ownership rights while precluding restoration and preservation efforts of their games; and
  • This situation is not clearly covered under existing law, and, as such, consumer agencies are not equipped to deal with this problem.
We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
1. Pass legislation requiring publishers that sell or license video games or that sell related features and assets for said games to do the following once they end support for said games: leave their games in a functional state, and remove any mandatory connections to the publisher or affiliated parties necessary for said games to function; and
2. Have the law supersede any end-user license agreements so customers do not forfeit their rights simply by playing a game.

Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE

The Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns on the issue of the planned obsolescence of video games.

The Government of Canada is committed to promoting the interests and protection of Canadian consumers as well-informed and confident consumers help stimulate competition and innovation in the Canadian marketplace. Federal agencies and departments are responsible for enforcing legislation related to various issues, including: consumer product safety, consumer product packaging and labelling, and anti-competitive practices, such as price fixing.

Additionally, consumer protection is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. On the specific matter of the planned obsolescence of video games, this matter is best addressed at the provincial and territorial jurisdiction given their responsibility over issues related to buying goods and services and contracts.

Open for signature
May 8, 2024, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
September 5, 2024, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
October 25, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02751)
Government response tabled
December 9, 2024
Photo - Elizabeth May
Saanich—Gulf Islands
Green Party Caucus
British Columbia