Quebec taxi drivers are threatening to resume pressure tactics following a meeting with the province’s Transport Ministry that left them disappointed.
They warned they would “set the tone” and take on measures such as protests.
READ MORE: Quebec taxi drivers call for independent study on proposed deregulation law
Taxi drivers from Montreal, Quebec City and other regions gathered on Tuesday to discuss a strategy on Bill 17. Transport Minister François Bonnardel invited them to participate in the consultations to improve the proposed legislation.
Get daily National news
“I am convinced that we will be able to find not just possible solutions, but ways to improve this law,” he said.
WATCH (March 20, 2019): Quebec to inject $500 million into taxi industry
- Carney, Macron to meet as talks of stronger Canada-EU relationship ramp up
- Celine Dion returns to the stage after 6 years at Paris residency: ‘I missed this’
- Saskatoon rally for the unhoused calls for action on forced displacement
- Canadian boxing icon George Chuvalo, known for his two Ali fights, dies at 89
Frustrated drivers, however, argue Bonnardel refuses to “hear the distress” of taxi drivers.
Taxi drivers are protesting the deregulation of the taxi industry announced by the Quebec government. The proposed bill includes abolishing a permit quota system, which will lower the value of taxi permits.
In Quebec, drivers paid $200,000 for their permit.
READ MORE: Quebec taxi industry withdraws pressure tactics after driver hurts himself on live television
— With files from Global’s Kalina Laframboise
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.