Bill to legalize Uber, AirBnb in Ontario passes second reading

Theglobeandmail.com
Oct. 29, 2015

A bill that would make Uber and AirBnB legal in Ontario has passed second reading in the legislature.

Former Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak’s private member’s bill would also allow new companies such as Rover, which lets Toronto homeowners rent their parking spots for $2 an hour.

The bill now has to go to committee to be studied before it has a chance at becoming law.

Hudak, who says he uses Uber and AirBnb regularly, says the services give consumers more choice and empower Ontarians to make some extra money.

Uber in particular has prompted some fierce debates in municipalities and New Democrat Cheri DiNovo says this bill cuts communities out of the debate.

Some Liberals voted against Hudak’s bill, but enough supported it to pass. Environment Minister Glen Murray says he wants the bill to be studied at committee because the issue is complex and needs a thorough hearing.