Councillor wants city to launch another court injunction against Uber

CP24.com
Nov. 3, 2015
Codi Wilson

The Uber debate is back at city hall today as councillors take a closer look at how the city is enforcing and prosecuting bylaw infractions.

Coun. Janet Davis is presenting a motion requesting more information on a number of topics relating to the ride-hailing app including what enforcement action is being taken against Uber and what the city’s legal strategy is for addressing non-compliance with city bylaws.

Speaking to CP24 Tuesday afternoon, the Ward 31 councillor said since the city adjusted its ground transportation bylaw last month, Uber is now operating illegally in Toronto.

"They have got to know, as a result of the bylaw changes we made last month, they must comply with the bylaw and that means they must become a licensed taxi broker," Davis said.

"Uber has been arrogant, flouting the law. They believe somehow they can just ride into town and operate outside of our existing regulatory framework. "

Davis added that UberX drivers are not required to obtain commercial insurance, which puts both the drivers and passengers at risk.

"I believe the city should be clear. We are launching an aggressive enforcement strategy and if you get caught, you are going to be charged," she said.

Davis also said she believes the city should put forward another application for a court injunction against the service.

"We did initiate an injunction application in the summertime, which was not successful. We have now changed the bylaw to strengthen the definitions in the bylaw and I believe that we should again launch another injunction," she added.

Uber has been a hotly debated topic at city hall in recent months and in September, council voted in favour of Mayor John Tory’s motion proposing to start the process of regulating Uber.

City staff will report back on proposed new regulations this spring.

"It is concerning to me that in the middle of this whole debate, Uber should be backing off and saying, ‘You know what, until these issues are resolved, we should just back off somewhat and let the city figure out its pieces,’” Coun. Joe Mihevc said at city hall Tuesday.

Instead, Mihevc said the company is choosing to operate in Toronto, disregarding the bylaw as it currently stands.

"My question is ... is this a company that frankly you can deal with," he added. "That any deal you come up with, will they be trustworthy at the end of the day."