New taxi laws might mean the end of Uber in Quebec

MONTREAL – Quebec Transport Minister Jacques Daoust is expected to table a piece of legislation that could drastically affect Uber’s operations in the province.

Wednesday, Daoust told reporters the bill passed an agreement in cabinet and details will be made public when it is tabled next week.

According to La Presse, the proposed law would regulated the ride-sharing service and force all drivers to buy taxi permits.

READ MORE: Montreal taxi drivers protest Uber by blocking airport

Regulations could also include restricting the number of Uber cars operating in the province and introducing mandatory taxes on each fare.

“The government has to do something because it’s not fair,” said cabbie George Georgoulis, who was waiting for his next fare outside the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

[Uber] can’t just come in here and do whatever they want.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: [Uber] can't just come in here and do whatever they want."

WATCH: Uber vs. taxis in Quebec

2:18 Montreal cab driver appoints himself Uber sheriff

• Montreal cab driver appoints himself Uber sheriff
• RAW: Montreal taxis egg Uber driver
• Focus Montreal: Undercover Uber
• Montreal taxi drivers protest Uber
• Montreal taxis protest Uber, block airport
• Montreal taxi drivers in major protest against Uber
• Montreal taxi drivers continue fight against Uber
• Montreal cab drivers plan massive Uber protest
• Uber pleas to Quebec transport minister
• Montreal taxis vs Uber
• Montreal taxi drivers protest
• Montreal taxi protest promises to disrupt downtown

Previous Video

Next Video

For months, taxi drivers have been protesting the ride-sharing service, saying it’s illegal and it’s hurting their bottom lines.

“At least if this law is passed they would be competing with us legally,” driver Olivard Occean told Global News.

READ MORE: Montreal taxi drivers egg Uber car during downtown protest

Uber released a statement saying “Transport Minister Daoust is moving in the opposite direction, drafting rules to shut down Uber across the province.”

“We hope the Quebec government will take the time to consider more progressive alternatives so that it doesn’t fall behind.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We hope the Quebec government will take the time to consider more progressive alternatives so that it doesn't fall behind."

READ MORE: Montreal taxi sheriff confronts Uber driver, smashes cellphone in protest

The bill is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly next week.