Quebec hearings set to begin into taxi industry and Uber

QUEBEC – Hearings begin at Quebec’s national assembly today into the province’s taxi industry as well as related services such as Uber.

They are scheduled to last several days against the backdrop of sometimes hostile clashes between cabbies and Uber drivers.

Transport Minister Jacques Daoust has said Uber’s arrival on the scene means changes are inevitable and that he wants the committee to hear from the main players involved in the controversial debate.

Related: Quebec’s brokers association issues warning on UberX insurance coverage

The taxi industry is seeking a permanent injunction against Uber that is also aimed at deactivating the firm’s app throughout the province.

The industry says Uber drivers are breaking the law and that the company’s services are illegal.

Related: Quebec Premier Couillard open to legalizing UberX style modes of transportation

Uber argues that developing a mobile app that lets customers hail nearby cars makes it a technology firm rather than a transportation company.