Uber suggests special permits for its drivers in Quebec
Quebec Transportation Minister Jacques Daoust noticeably absent from meeting
CBC.ca
May 31, 2016
By Kalina Laframboise
Uber is offering a new proposal to the Quebec government in hopes of reaching a compromise to Bill 100, which would force its drivers to conform to the same laws as cabbies with regard to regulations such as permits and taxes.
With the clock ticking, the company proposed on Monday the creation and purchase of special ride-sharing permits for its UberX drivers, distinct from the permits that taxi drivers require to work in Quebec.
"It's a licence, but one that isn't linked to the T plates of the taxi industry," said Jean-Nicolas Guillemette, general manager of Uber Quebec.
"So we take off the T plates and we allow people to use their own cars on the road."
Time is of essence
Quebec Transportation Minister Jacques Daoust was noticeably absent from the meeting between his cabinet and Uber.
The ride-hailing company also floated a pilot project last week but it was quickly rejected by a skeptical Daoust.
Guillemette said he was disappointed by Daoust's absence but remains optimistic on reaching an agreement with the government.
"We'll be back and we'll work on the entire document to re-submit to the government in hopes of having the full collaboration from the minister as time is running out," Guillemette said.
Uber says the bill, if enacted as is, would mean the end of the company's operations in the province.
