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Enhanced Risk Allocation and Liability Protection Provisions

These provisions are intended to form part of the Ask Parts of Canada Terms of Use and should be read together with the Community Guidelines, Privacy Policy, Parts Store Terms, Return and Warranty Policy, and other applicable policies.


1. Nature of the Platform

Ask Parts of Canada provides an online information, discussion, troubleshooting, community, and commerce platform relating primarily to household appliances, appliance components, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

Except where expressly stated otherwise in writing, Ask Parts of Canada does not itself undertake to inspect, diagnose, repair, certify, approve, or declare safe any appliance, installation, premises, electrical system, gas system, refrigeration system, or repair performed by a user.

The availability of information through the platform does not constitute an undertaking by Ask Parts of Canada to supervise, direct, control, inspect, or approve a user's work.

2. Informational Purpose

Information made available through the website, Community, articles, comments, guides, videos, product pages, troubleshooting tools, diagrams, images, search results, or other platform features is provided for general informational and educational purposes unless expressly identified otherwise.

Information may include contributions from:

  • customers;
  • homeowners;
  • technicians;
  • independent professionals;
  • manufacturers;
  • suppliers;
  • moderators;
  • employees;
  • automated systems; and
  • other third parties.

Users must independently assess whether information is suitable for their particular circumstances.

3. No Individualized Professional Advice

Information made available through the platform should not be interpreted as individualized professional advice solely because a user describes a specific appliance or problem.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in a separate written contract, Ask Parts of Canada does not undertake a professional duty to:

  • diagnose a particular appliance;
  • inspect a user's premises;
  • determine compliance with local codes;
  • determine whether a user is competent to undertake a repair;
  • confirm that a repair is safe;
  • approve an installation;
  • certify workmanship; or
  • supervise work performed by a user or third party.

Users should obtain appropriately qualified professional assistance whenever circumstances warrant it.

4. User Responsibility for Decisions

Each user retains responsibility for decisions made in connection with information obtained through the platform.

Users are responsible for:

  • deciding whether to attempt a repair;
  • determining whether work should be performed by a qualified professional;
  • confirming model and serial information;
  • verifying specifications;
  • confirming part compatibility;
  • obtaining manufacturer information where appropriate;
  • confirming applicable codes and regulations;
  • obtaining required permits or inspections;
  • using appropriate tools and protective equipment;
  • safely disconnecting electrical, gas, water, and other services;
  • checking completed work before operation; and
  • discontinuing work when conditions exceed the user's competence.

Ask Parts of Canada does not assume responsibility for a user's decision to proceed with, modify, postpone, abandon, or independently perform a repair.

5. Incomplete Information

Users acknowledge that troubleshooting recommendations may be based solely on information supplied by the user.

That information may be:

  • incomplete;
  • inaccurate;
  • misunderstood;
  • incorrectly measured;
  • incorrectly reported;
  • outdated; or
  • insufficient to identify the actual fault.

Ask Parts of Canada and Community contributors are not responsible for consequences arising from information that a user fails to provide accurately or completely, subject always to applicable law.

6. Appliance Variations

Appliance information may vary according to:

  • model;
  • serial number;
  • manufacturing revision;
  • production date;
  • market;
  • voltage;
  • fuel type;
  • installation;
  • control-board revision;
  • firmware;
  • software;
  • prior repair history;
  • prior modification;
  • component substitution;
  • operating environment; and
  • manufacturer updates.

Users must not assume that information applicable to one appliance is necessarily applicable to another.

7. Technical Information May Change

Technical information can become obsolete.

Manufacturers may change:

  • service procedures;
  • replacement part numbers;
  • wiring;
  • software;
  • firmware;
  • safety instructions;
  • technical bulletins;
  • product specifications; and
  • recall information.

Ask Parts of Canada does not guarantee that all information remains current at every moment.

Users should verify time-sensitive or safety-critical information through an appropriate authoritative source where reasonably necessary.

8. Recalls and Safety Notices

The platform may discuss recalls, safety notices, service campaigns, manufacturer bulletins, or known product issues.

Ask Parts of Canada does not represent that the platform provides a complete, current, or exhaustive database of every recall, warning, safety bulletin, or regulatory notice.

The absence of a warning or recall notice from the platform does not establish that an appliance is safe.

Users remain responsible for checking appropriate manufacturer or governmental sources where recall status is material to a decision.

9. No Safety Certification

A troubleshooting answer, moderator comment, successful test, part recommendation, or repair discussion does not constitute a safety inspection or certification.

Ask Parts of Canada does not certify that:

  • an appliance is safe to operate;
  • a repair complies with code;
  • an electrical installation is compliant;
  • a gas installation is compliant;
  • a refrigerant repair is compliant;
  • a repaired appliance is suitable for resale; or
  • a user's work meets professional trade standards.

Where formal inspection, certification, licensing, or authorization is required, users must obtain it independently.

10. Community Contributors

Community contributors ordinarily act independently and not as agents, representatives, employees, partners, franchisees, or authorized technicians of Ask Parts of Canada merely because they participate in the Community.

No contributor has authority to bind Ask Parts of Canada unless that authority has been expressly granted.

Ask Parts of Canada is not responsible for independent services performed by a Community participant outside the platform merely because the parties first encountered one another through the Community.

11. Updates to This Disclaimer

Participation in the platform does not create a:

  • partnership;
  • joint venture;
  • franchise;
  • employment relationship;
  • agency relationship;
  • fiduciary relationship;
  • professional-client relationship; or
  • representative relationship

between Ask Parts of Canada and a user or between users. No user may represent otherwise.

12. User Assumption of Risk

Appliance troubleshooting and repair involve inherent risks. These may include:

  • electrical shock;
  • electrocution;
  • fire;
  • explosion;
  • gas leakage;
  • carbon-monoxide exposure;
  • refrigerant exposure;
  • high-pressure release;
  • moving machinery;
  • sharp components;
  • burns;
  • stored electrical energy;
  • flooding;
  • property damage;
  • environmental damage;
  • bodily injury; and
  • death.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, users voluntarily assume the risks associated with undertaking repair, testing, installation, modification, or troubleshooting activities based on information obtained through the platform.

13. Independent Verification

Users should independently verify information before relying on it where:

  • safety is involved;
  • regulatory compliance is involved;
  • an expensive repair is contemplated;
  • the information is incomplete;
  • measurements are inconsistent;
  • a manufacturer procedure is available;
  • a part number is uncertain; or
  • reasonable doubt exists.

Ask Parts of Canada does not warrant that a Community response will contain every fact relevant to a user's decision.

14. Product and Part Recommendations

A recommendation, compatibility indication, cross-reference, search result, photograph, description, or Community comment concerning a part does not guarantee that the part will:

  • correct the reported problem;
  • fit every production revision;
  • solve an incorrect diagnosis;
  • be appropriate for an altered appliance;
  • comply with every local requirement; or
  • operate correctly when improperly installed.

Users must provide accurate model and appliance information and follow applicable installation instructions.

Applicable statutory rights and Parts Store terms remain unaffected.

15. Diagnostic Uncertainty

Troubleshooting often involves identifying probable causes rather than establishing certainty before physical inspection.

Terms such as:

  • "likely";
  • "probably";
  • "commonly";
  • "appears";
  • "may";
  • "could";
  • "suspect"; and
  • "check"

should be understood as expressions of diagnostic uncertainty rather than guarantees. Replacement of a suspected component may not resolve the underlying condition.

16. User Modifications and Prior Repairs

Ask Parts of Canada is not responsible for undisclosed or unknown conditions caused by:

  • previous repairs;
  • wiring modifications;
  • non-original components;
  • aftermarket modifications;
  • incorrect installation;
  • water damage;
  • pest damage;
  • fire damage;
  • corrosion;
  • environmental exposure;
  • prior bypasses; or
  • unauthorized modifications.

Users should disclose known modifications when requesting technical assistance.

17. No Reliance on Moderation

Moderation exists primarily to promote orderly, respectful, and reasonably safe Community participation. Moderation does not constitute:

  • technical verification;
  • engineering review;
  • professional supervision;
  • inspection;
  • legal review;
  • safety certification; or
  • endorsement.

The fact that content remains available does not mean that Ask Parts of Canada has determined that it is accurate or safe.

18. No General Duty to Monitor

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Ask Parts of Canada's decision to moderate some content does not create an obligation to monitor, inspect, verify, or correct every other contribution.

Ask Parts of Canada may use:

  • human moderation;
  • automated moderation;
  • reporting systems;
  • filters;
  • warnings; and
  • other moderation methods.

None of those measures guarantees that every problematic submission will be identified.

19. No Guarantee of Response

Ask Parts of Canada does not guarantee that:

  • every Community question will receive a response;
  • responses will be received within a specific time;
  • a qualified technician will respond;
  • a diagnosis will be reached; or
  • an issue will be resolved.

Users must not rely on the Community where immediate professional attention is reasonably required.

20. Emergency Matters

The platform is not an emergency service.

Users should not use the Community as a substitute for emergency services, utilities, fire departments, emergency repair services, building management, qualified gas technicians, qualified electricians, or other appropriate emergency assistance.

21. Third-Party Information

The platform may contain or reference information provided by:

  • manufacturers;
  • distributors;
  • service companies;
  • parts suppliers;
  • governmental authorities;
  • third-party websites; and
  • independent contributors.

Ask Parts of Canada does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions originating from an independent third-party source except to the extent required by applicable law.

22. External Websites

Links to external websites are provided for convenience or informational purposes.

Ask Parts of Canada does not control and is not responsible for the content, availability, security, privacy practices, accuracy, products, or services of independent third-party websites.

Users access third-party websites at their own discretion.

23. Third-Party Services

Where a user independently retains a technician, contractor, installer, delivery company, manufacturer, supplier, or other service provider, Ask Parts of Canada is not a party to that relationship unless expressly stated otherwise.

Any claim concerning that third party's:

  • workmanship;
  • negligence;
  • delay;
  • representations;
  • pricing;
  • licensing;
  • conduct; or
  • contractual performance
  • must ordinarily be resolved with that third party.

24. Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PLATFORM, COMMUNITY, INFORMATIONAL CONTENT, USER-GENERATED CONTENT, AND RELATED INFORMATIONAL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS," "AS AVAILABLE," AND "WITH ALL FAULTS" BASIS.

ASK PARTS OF CANADA DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, AND GUARANTEES THAT MAY LAWFULLY BE DISCLAIMED, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, COLLATERAL, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO:

  • ACCURACY;
  • COMPLETENESS;
  • AVAILABILITY;
  • RELIABILITY;
  • SAFETY;
  • FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE;
  • MERCHANTABILITY;
  • MERCHANTABLE QUALITY;
  • DURABILITY;
  • NON-INFRINGEMENT;
  • COMPATIBILITY;
  • TIMELINESS; AND
  • ERROR-FREE OPERATION.

Nothing in these Terms excludes any right or warranty that cannot lawfully be excluded.

25. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ASK PARTS OF CANADA AND ITS AFFILIATES, OWNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, MODERATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AGENTS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, LICENSORS, AND SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS, DAMAGE, INJURY, COST, CLAIM, OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO:

  • USE OF THE COMMUNITY;
  • RELIANCE ON COMMUNITY INFORMATION;
  • USER-GENERATED CONTENT;
  • A USER'S REPAIR DECISION;
  • TROUBLESHOOTING;
  • DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION;
  • PART RECOMMENDATIONS;
  • PART INSTALLATION;
  • REPAIR FAILURE;
  • THIRD-PARTY SERVICES;
  • THIRD-PARTY PRODUCTS;
  • EXTERNAL WEBSITES;
  • PLATFORM INTERRUPTION;
  • LOSS OF DATA;
  • PROPERTY DAMAGE;
  • BUSINESS INTERRUPTION;
  • FIRE;
  • FLOODING;
  • ELECTRICAL SHOCK;
  • GAS LEAKAGE;
  • CARBON-MONOXIDE EXPOSURE;
  • ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE;
  • PERSONAL INJURY; OR
  • OTHER CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM A USER'S ACTION OR INACTION.

THIS PROVISION APPLIES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ASSERTED, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STATUTE, MISREPRESENTATION, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

26. Exclusion of Certain Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ASK PARTS OF CANADA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • INDIRECT DAMAGES;
  • INCIDENTAL DAMAGES;
  • CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES;
  • SPECIAL DAMAGES;
  • EXEMPLARY DAMAGES;
  • PUNITIVE DAMAGES;
  • LOST PROFITS;
  • LOST REVENUE;
  • LOST BUSINESS;
  • LOST OPPORTUNITY;
  • LOSS OF GOODWILL;
  • LOSS OF DATA; OR
  • LOSS OF USE

ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INFORMATIONAL OR COMMUNITY SERVICES.

27. Aggregate Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WHERE LIABILITY CANNOT OTHERWISE BE EXCLUDED, THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF ASK PARTS OF CANADA AND THE RELATED PARTIES IDENTIFIED ABOVE ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY OR FREE INFORMATIONAL SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF:

CAD $100; OR

THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE USER TO ASK PARTS OF CANADA SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SERVICE DIRECTLY GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM DURING THE SIX MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

For a claim arising exclusively from a product purchase, any applicable statutory rights and the governing Parts Store terms apply.

28. Allocation of Risk

The parties acknowledge that the disclaimers, exclusions, and limitations contained in these Terms form part of the allocation of risk between Ask Parts of Canada and users and are reflected in the availability of Community and informational services, including services provided without charge.

To the extent permitted by law, these provisions apply even where a limited remedy fails of its essential purpose.

29. Release Relating to User Conduct

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, users release Ask Parts of Canada and its affiliated parties from claims arising principally from:

• conduct of another user;

• independent arrangements between users;

• reliance on another user's statements;

• off-platform transactions;

• independently performed repairs;

• a user's misuse of information; or

• circumstances beyond Ask Parts of Canada's reasonable control.

30. User Indemnification

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Parts of Canada and its affiliates, owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, moderators, representatives, and agents from third-party claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and reasonable legal expenses arising out of or relating to:

  • the user's submitted content;
  • the user's unlawful conduct;
  • the user's infringement of third-party rights;
  • the user's violation of these Terms;
  • the user's violation of the Community Guidelines;
  • fraudulent activity;
  • the user's professional or commercial services;
  • repairs performed by the user for another person; or
  • injury or damage caused by the user's acts or omissions.

This provision applies only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

31. Commercial Users

A technician, contractor, service business, reseller, supplier, or other commercial user who uses Community information in connection with services provided to another person remains solely responsible for that person's own professional judgment, workmanship, licensing, regulatory compliance, insurance, and contractual obligations.

Use of the platform does not transfer those responsibilities to Ask Parts of Canada.

32. Professional Users

Professional users must independently assess technical information rather than relying on Ask Parts of Canada as a substitute for professional training, manufacturer information, diagnostic testing, or applicable trade standards.

A professional user's reliance on Community information does not create a professional duty on the part of Ask Parts of Canada.

33. Compliance with Law

Users are responsible for complying with laws and requirements applicable to their own activities.

Ask Parts of Canada does not represent that a repair procedure lawful in one jurisdiction will necessarily be lawful in another.

34. Force Majeure and Events Outside Reasonable Control

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Ask Parts of Canada is not responsible for delay, interruption, failure, or inability to provide a service caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:

  • internet outages;
  • telecommunications failures;
  • power failures;
  • hosting failures;
  • cyber incidents;
  • natural disasters;
  • fires;
  • floods;
  • severe weather;
  • governmental actions;
  • labour disruptions;
  • supply-chain interruptions; or
  • failure of third-party infrastructure.

35. Platform Changes

Ask Parts of Canada may modify, discontinue, suspend, restrict, or replace Community features, content, or functionality from time to time, subject to applicable law.

No user acquires a vested right to the continued availability of a particular free Community feature.

36. User Accounts

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of their account credentials.

Ask Parts of Canada is not responsible for activity resulting from a user's failure to reasonably protect account credentials, except to the extent otherwise required by applicable law.

Users should promptly notify Ask Parts of Canada of suspected unauthorized account access.

37. Content Retention

Users should not use the Community as the sole storage location for information they need to preserve. Ask Parts of Canada does not guarantee indefinite retention of:

  • posts;
  • images;
  • attachments;
  • messages;
  • repair records; or
  • account information,

except where retention is required by law or expressly promised under another applicable policy.

38. Security

Ask Parts of Canada may take reasonable measures designed to protect the platform but cannot guarantee absolute security.

No internet-connected service can be guaranteed to be immune from:

  • unauthorized access;
  • malware;
  • service disruption;
  • data loss;
  • account compromise; or
  • other cybersecurity incidents.

Ask Parts of Canada's handling of personal information is governed by its Privacy Policy and applicable law.

39. Decisions Based on External Information

Ask Parts of Canada is not responsible for decisions users make based on information obtained from third parties merely because that information was linked, quoted, discussed, indexed, or referenced through the platform.

40. No Waiver by Assistance

Providing voluntary assistance, technical suggestions, customer support, moderation, goodwill credits, replacements, refunds, troubleshooting, or other accommodation in a particular case does not constitute:

  • an admission of liability;
  • assumption of a broader legal duty;
  • waiver of these Terms; or
  • a commitment to provide the same accommodation in another case.

41. No Waiver by Delay

Failure or delay by Ask Parts of Canada in enforcing any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other right.

A waiver is effective only where made in accordance with applicable law and authorized by Ask Parts of Canada.

42. Entire Agreement

The Terms of Use, together with policies expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the agreement governing use of the Community and informational services.

Statements made by an individual Community member do not modify these Terms.

Any modification binding on Ask Parts of Canada must be made through an authorized process.

43. Severability

If a provision is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, it should, where legally permissible, be interpreted as narrowly as necessary to make it enforceable.

If that is not possible, the affected portion shall be severed to the minimum extent necessary without invalidating the remaining provisions.

44. Survival

Provisions that by their nature are intended to continue after termination of an account or cessation of platform use shall survive, including provisions concerning:

  • intellectual property;
  • disclaimers;
  • limitation of liability;
  • indemnification;
  • dispute-related provisions;
  • outstanding obligations; and
  • accrued rights.

45. Mandatory Statutory Rights

Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive, restrict, exclude, or limit a right, remedy, warranty, condition, or liability that cannot lawfully be waived, restricted, excluded, or limited.

Where applicable legislation provides a mandatory right or remedy, that legislation prevails to the extent of any inconsistency.

46. Interpretation of Liability Provisions

Each disclaimer, exclusion, limitation, release, and indemnity is intended to operate independently to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

A finding that one protection does not apply does not, by itself, prevent another applicable protection from operating.

47. Governing Terms for Purchases

The Community and informational portions of the platform are distinct from commercial purchases. Purchases of parts or other products are governed by the applicable:

  • Parts Store Terms and Conditions;
  • Shipping Policy;
  • Return and Refund Policy;
  • Warranty Policy; and
  • mandatory consumer-protection legislation.

Community statements do not alter those terms unless expressly confirmed by an authorized representative of Ask Parts of Canada.

48. Recommended Community Guidelines Notice

The Community Guidelines should contain only the following concise notice rather than repeating the full legal provisions:

Important Information About Repair Advice

Community information is provided for general informational and educational purposes. Appliance troubleshooting and repair can involve electricity, gas, refrigerants, heat, moving components, water, pressure, and other hazards.

Users are responsible for determining whether they are qualified to perform a repair, verifying relevant information, complying with applicable requirements, and obtaining qualified professional assistance when appropriate.

Ask Parts of Canada does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, safety, or suitability of user-generated technical advice. Participation in the Community is subject to the Terms of Use, including applicable disclaimers, assumptions of risk, and limitations of liability.

Nothing in these Guidelines limits rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be limited.

49. Acceptance Structure

For stronger contractual protection, users should be presented with clear acceptance language when creating an account.

Recommended wording:

By creating an account, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms of Use, Community Guidelines, and Privacy Policy.

The words Terms of Use, Community Guidelines, and Privacy Policy should each link directly to the applicable document.

For material revisions to the Terms, Ask Parts of Canada should use an appropriate notice or re-acceptance process where legally advisable.

50. Checkout Separation

Product checkout should use separate acceptance wording so that Community participation is not confused with product-sale terms.

Recommended wording:

By placing your order, you agree to the Parts Store Terms and Conditions and acknowledge the applicable Return, Warranty, and Shipping Policies.

Mandatory consumer rights should not be characterized as waived.

51. Administrative Protection

For stronger risk management, Ask Parts of Canada should maintain reasonable internal records concerning:

  • the version of the Terms accepted by each registered user;
  • the effective date of each policy version;
  • significant policy revisions;
  • moderation of serious safety issues;
  • user reports involving credible safety risks;
  • product recalls affecting products offered for sale;
  • material customer complaints;
  • privacy incidents;
  • intellectual-property complaints; and
  • significant security incidents.

These records should be retained according to an appropriate documented retention schedule and applicable law.

52. Final Principle

The platform should communicate safety responsibly without representing that Ask Parts of Canada supervises every repair, verifies every answer, guarantees every diagnosis, or assumes responsibility for decisions independently made by users.

The intended allocation is:

Ask Parts of Canada provides the platform and information. The user remains responsible for evaluating that information and deciding how to act upon it, subject always to rights and obligations that applicable law does not permit the parties to exclude.