The Alberta provincial government has introduced new rules pertaining to ride-sharing firms such as Uber. Transportation Minister Brian Mason said that under Bill 16, these firms’ drivers will have to carry at least a professional Class 4 licence.
Drivers must also submit to a police information check and be covered by commercial insurance or a new insurance policy specifically tailored to the industry, which will be ready by July 1. It will be the companies’ responsibility to conduct checks and take steps that drivers are properly insured. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $50,000 a day.
Class 4 licences are for professional drivers and includes training on defensive driving, assisting disabled passengers, and dealing with fatigue.
“The main emphasis has been on safety for the public,'' Mason said at a news conference at the legislature after the bill’s introduction on Monday.
“When you call with your app a stranger to come and pick you up, you need to know that that person has not got a criminal record ... that they are capable of driving you safely, and that if you do get into an accident you do have the requisite insurance.''
Bill 16 also updates legislation on drunk driving and street racing, removing some exceptions and tightening penalties.
Uber’s spokesperson Jean-Christophe de Le Rue said that the company is reviewing the measure.
“We hope that the province will bring forward smart regulations that embrace the environmental, safety and economic benefits of ride-sharing,'' he said.
Previously, Edmonton passed a bylaw requiring drivers to have proper insurance. Since none was available at the time, Uber suspended operations on March 1. Prior to the legislation, Uber drivers with regular Class 5 licences and personal vehicle insurance were ferrying passengers.
Meanwhile, Uber mentioned that it would like to reach a compromise with the Quebec government. This came after the introduction of a new bill seeking to require anyone offering transportation services to have a taxi permit and taxi drivers' licence. If the bill is passed, individual violators could be fined C$2,500 to 25,000 while companies could face a C$50,000 fine.
