What is the primary legislation governing Ontario's retail automotive sector?

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 is the primary legislation governing Ontario's retail automotive sector. This Act establishes the regulatory framework for motor vehicle dealers, including licensing requirements, duties of dealers, and consumer protections specific to the automotive sales environment. It ensures that dealers operate in a fair and transparent manner while protecting consumer interests in the purchasing process.

In contrast, the Highway Traffic Act primarily deals with the rules and regulations surrounding the operation of vehicles on public roads, rather than the sale of vehicles. The Consumer Protection Act encompasses broader regulations applicable to various types of transactions and consumer rights, but it is not specific to the automotive sector. The Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth requirements for vehicle design and manufacturing to ensure safety, rather than governing the retail aspect of selling vehicles. Therefore, while all these acts play important roles in the automotive industry, the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 is specifically tailored to regulate retail automotive practices in Ontario.