Uber to remain in Quebec for now, will continue negotiations
Uber will be staying in Quebec for a while longer.
According to reports, the ridesharing company will engage in talks with the Quebec government and will not be leaving the province by the October 14 deadline.
This morning, the Quebec government issued a statement clarifying the new regulations imposed on Uber drivers that were put into place in September.
These regulations include:
- Increasing training hours for new partner-drivers
- Tightening of the criminal record verification process
- Obligation to perform a mechanical inspection every 12 months
The government says it will allow Uber drivers more time to get their background checks done. For drivers already registered as of October 14, 2017, they will have to comply with this obligation within two years of Uber’s last criminal record check.
“Let’s be clear, this simple change does not change Uber’s obligations. They will have to submit the drivers to a 35-hour training course and to a criminal record check by a police force in Quebec,” said Quebec Minister of Transport André Fortin, in a statement. “This is a matter of fairness for all market partners and for the safety of users. I also intend to work with our partners to implement innovative solutions in order to offer Quebec users a modern industry that meets their needs.”
According to CBC, Uber received information that the new training requirement would not be implemented until a few months after the new rules come into effect. In the meantime, the rideshare company will continue its negotiations with the Quebec government.