Saskatchewan’s government has proposed legislation that could allow ride-hailing services such as Uber to operate in the region.
The Vehicles for Hire Act outlines several requirements that ride-hailing app drivers would have to fulfill, such as undergoing mandatory criminal record checks and obtaining a Class 4 driver’s licence. The bill also requires ride-hailing companies to prove that they have a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance, and that every vehicle used must be insured.
“What brought on this legislation was our strong desire to put another option out there in the battle against impaired driving,” said Minister for Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Joe Hargrave.
“These people will be there when the bars close, it gives people another option to pick so they don’t have to make that wrong decision to drive home impaired.”
The Canadian Press reported that under the proposed legislation, municipalities will be able to make bylaws that govern ride-hailing companies.
The Saskatchewan Taxi Cab Association (STCA) has questioned the bill and asked if ride-hailing app drivers will have to pass an annual safety inspection, if their vehicles will have to be accessible to PWDs, and if drivers will be required to have in-car cameras.
“We welcome fair and open competition but until we see the regulations that will be attached to this act, we remain concerned that the playing field is being tilted in Uber’s favour,” said STCA spokesperson Shondra Boire in a press release.
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