Mark Mitchell, a resident of Ontario, is urging the government to enhance consumer protection laws following a string of problems with his newly leased vehicle. A non-profit organization is also advocating for the implementation of a lemon law in the province to provide better safeguards for vehicle buyers.
Mitchell’s ordeal began with his 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck, leased from a dealership in Scarborough. Shortly after receiving the truck in May 2024, he encountered significant issues, including engine failure and multiple repairs covered under warranty.
Despite repairs, the truck continued to experience mechanical failures, leading Mitchell to request a replacement vehicle from Ford, which was not fulfilled. Frustrated with the situation, Mitchell turned to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Program (CAMVAP) for assistance.
CAMVAP, a program that aims to resolve consumer complaints through binding arbitration, has seen some success in resolving issues but has also faced criticism for its lengthy and often inconclusive process.
Advocates like Shari Prymak from Car Help Canada believe that a lemon law, similar to those in the U.S., would provide consumers with stronger legal recourse against persistent vehicle problems. Quebec is the only province in Canada with an existing lemon law, but its effectiveness is still under scrutiny.
Mitchell, along with others, is calling for Ontario to consider implementing a lemon law to provide better protection for consumers facing recurring vehicle issues. While progress on this front is ongoing, the hope is that increased pressure on the government will lead to meaningful change in the near future.