Mississauga council votes to work with Uber, despite company’s non-compliance

Mississauga.com
May 26, 2016
By Rachael Williams

Mississauga council will negotiate with Uber on the future of ridesharing, despite the company’s refusal to comply with a cease and desist order.

On Wednesday, council voted 8 to 4 in favour of a motion to form a committee to develop a one-year pilot program that would allow transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber to operate in Mississauga.

Last week, council passed a similar motion, with a directive to Uber that they were to cease and desist until committee members were selected and a framework for a pilot program was put in place.

“It’s like Groundhog Day here,” described Coun. Jim Tovey, noting the number of times the Uber file has been debated.

At the request of Coun. Pat Saito, a line was added to last week’s motion stating, failure to comply with the cease and desist by May 25 would result in the committee and pilot program being scrapped.

Fast forward to May 25. Uber is still operating in Mississauga and council voted to move ahead with the committee and pilot program regardless.

“Things are changing on a daily basis. I wanted to get as much support as possible on council for the pilot and if that meant massaging the motion and making amendments that other councillors could support it if those changes were made then I’m prepared to do it,” said Saito.

Calling it “another puffy motion”, Coun. Carolyn Parrish told councillors it’s clear her opinion and the opinion of the Public Vehicle Advisory Committee (PVAC) was not valued during the decision-making process and asked to submit her resignation from PVAC.

The deadline for the committee to be selected is May 30. Councillors Ron Starr and Karen Ras have been appointed, as well as public policy manager Chris Schafer and citizen appointee Al Cormier.

Peel Taxi Alliance representative Marcel Weider said outside of chambers the taxi industry would not put forth a name until Uber stops operating in the city.

“We have not seen any goodwill cooperation from the TNCs. We’re willing to work with the City to develop something that’s fair to the taxi industry and it’s a made in Mississauga solution,” said Weider.

But according to the motion, with or without the taxi industry putting forward a name, the pilot program will move ahead.

The deadline for recommendations to be brought forward is now June 29, instead of the originally proposed September 21 date.

Coun. George Carlson, who voted against the motion, argued the City should not be negotiating with a company that has failed to adhere to any of the regulations set forth by council to date.

“This group is using scare tactics and bulldozing not just in Mississauga, but around the world,” he said.

Sharing that sentiment was Tovey, who stated, “I have zero respect for that company. They’re just the worst type of robber baron I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who has been in favour of finding a compromise between Uber and taxis, expressed the importance of consumer choice.

“We’ve heard from residents that they want the service, so we have to make it work for everyone and create a level playing field so it’s fair for consumers, for residents and the industry as well,” she said.

Mississauga’s enforcement staff will continue to ticket Uber drivers under the existing bylaw. To date, there have been over 300 charges laid and they are all currently before the courts.