The bill would have been the first in North America to empower average people to repair their own devices.

A right to repair bill that would have forced manufacturers selling electronic devices and other consumer products in Ontario to provide consumers and small businesses with the tools and knowledge to repair brand-name gadgets is officially dead. The failed vote follows lobbying against the legislation from major tech companies including Apple, according to the bill's sponsor.

The bill, which was put forward by Liberal MPP Michael Coteau in February, aimed to force companies like Apple to provide small businesses and average consumers with official parts, diagnostic tools, and repair manuals upon request, and at a fair price. It would have been the first such law in North America—though 20 US states are considering similar legislation—and threatened to send consumer-friendly ripple effects throughout major electronic manufacturers' global operations.

Home and affordable third-party repair of brand-name devices is often extremely difficult or even outright illegal thanks to company lobbying, tightly controlled access to repair tools and parts, and government intervention.

On Thursday, the bill had its second reading in Ontario parliament; essentially, a debate on whether the bill, in principle, is worthy of further debate, research, and discussion until it can be decided upon in its final form. While some MPPs urged their colleagues to vote yes on the bill simply to allow for further exploration of the issue, it faced staunch resistance from members of the ruling Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.