Transport Canada got back to me with this:
We would like to advise that a defect is qualified as safety related only if its origin lies within the design, manufacturing, assembly stage, or must interfere with the operation of the vehicle. The defect must also be present in a group of similar vehicles, and must directly endanger the safety of a person (driver, passenger, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclist and other road users). Also note that the problem caused by the defect must occur with little or no warning and not be due to everyday wear and tear, a lack of proper maintenance, or negligence on the part of the owner.
Pretty sure they don't care.
No, it really wasn't directed at you.
At this point it sounds like you got a form email as a response. Here's how I would respond.
Thank you for your response. I'd like to provide additional information for your investigation into this safety defect.
I believe that any interior trim piece that draws blood during normal operation is a safety defect.
There are a multitude of similar instances reported on various internet forums that identify the source of the issue as a design/manufacturing defect and that it poses a significant hazard to the driver and passengers.
This defect is not readily visible and - when raised with the manufacturer - is repaired under warranty.
What is important to note is that it is a common defect, most VW dealers have seen this problem AND it poses a danger to the occupants. VW corporate, however, does not appear to have done anything to modify the design to reduce the hazard.
Perhaps you want to include a picture of the injury so they know it isn't just a finger stick.
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I would also file the complaint with NHTSA - yes, you're in the great white north but the internet doesn't know that and it is an issue that affects US cars as well.
To the group - please file your complaints with NHTSA and Transport Canada. If you post back here that you've reported it, then I can monitor it like I did with the Mk5 third brake light issue and the ice buildup problem and hopefully bring it to a similar resolution.
The Tortoise's post brings to light how serious this could be. Imagine a child dragging their wrist over that piece and getting a gash that catches a vein.
Most occupant safety regs came about because a few people complained about a hazard.
Of course, you can say that government shouldn't get involved in something this trivial (we heard that with the third brake light issue) but it is obvious that the manufacturer isn't going to be fixing this themselves without a nudge from the regulators.