Speaking Notes

Chair Diane Deans

March 8, 2016
I would like to welcome everyone back to the Community and
Protective Services Committee.
First and foremost, I want to thank all of the delegations who took
the time to speak to us yesterday.
We appreciate the respectful exchange of idea and your
dedication to this very important issue.
Over the last week, I have heard important feedback from the taxi
industry.
I have also heard these concerns echoed by my colleagues
around the table.
This is a complex issue and today we will see a number of
motions come before us that aim to address some of these
concerns, including: accessibility, compliance, oversight,
enforcement and timing.
On compliance and oversight
The top issue the taxi industry raised is the difference in approach
related to individual relationships and record-keeping of Private
Transportation Company drivers.
While this different approach is fundamental to the staff
recommendations, we recognize that there can be an
improvement in ensuring better oversight of Private
Transportation Companies.

To help address this, Councillor Egli will be bringing forward a

motion that will ensure PTCs are required to provide up-to-date
driver information to the Chief Licensing Inspector on a proactive
basis.
On enforcement
The taxi industry also raised concerns with Ubers past behaviour
with regards to abiding by City by-laws and our ability to enforce.
They have recommended the City take steps to ensure the new
regulations are respected.
Councillor Qaqish will be bringing forward a motion to ensure that
staff report back to Council on compliance and enforcement
efforts for this new license category.
In the same vein
In order to bring PTCs in line with the current power the Chief
Licensing Officer has over the traditional industry, Councillor
Nussbaum has an amendment to suspend the license of a Private
Transportation Company for emergencies and as a result of
certain conduct, this will include the ability to prohibit the licensee
from carrying out business while the license is suspended.
In terms of the June 30 implementation date
The taxi industry indicated that it would need more time to adjust
to the changes in the proposed regulations.
Understanding this, Councillor Darouze will bring forward a
motion to change the implementation date to September 30,
2016.
On HST requirements

Throughout this process we have stressed that these regulations

are largely focused on the areas under the control of the
municipality.
One of the requests the taxi industry brought forward was about
the requirements for Private Transportation Company drivers to
charge and remit HST.
While we do not have carriage of this, Councillor Fleury is
bringing forward a motion to contact the Canada Revenue Agency
directly to make them aware of this new transportation category
and to report back to Council with their response.
In our other discussions with the taxi industry, it became
apparent that Coventry Connections plan for its new eCab
app may not be in line with the proposal thats on the table.
For example, the app has a cancellation fee and the company
would also like to expand its service offerings to have larger
luxury vehicles.
If we approve the by-law as-is, or even keep the same by-law, the
taxi industry couldnt pursue these new business ideas.
Councillor Darouze will bring forward a motion that will allow for
these innovations and expansion.
The issue of accessibility is an important one.
We need to make sure that the transportation options of some are
not a detriment to others.

We have the highest standards in Canada and although I have

said it before, I will say it again; we have no intention of sliding
backwards.
But we do owe it to our community to get it right.
I want to thank Councillor Qadri, our Councils liaison with the
Accessibility Advisory Committee, for his leadership on this issue.
He will be bringing forward a motion to ensure that we make the
most of this new opportunity, while protecting the progress weve
made to date.
Let me remind you of some of those:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

Allow taxi companies to offer reduced fares when rides are

booked through an app
Eliminate the $1.50 credit and debit card fee
Reducing the taxi driver license fee by 40% (from $170 to
$96)
Waiving the taxi driver license fee for accessible taxis (from
$170 to $0)
Eliminate interior and trunk size requirements for vehicles
Eliminate the $820 standard taxicab Algonquin College
course for drivers, while retaining the ability for taxi
companies to run their own industry-appropriate training if
they wish
Retain exclusive use of taxi stands and lanes
Retain exclusive Para Transpo contract, worth about $9million annually

I believe the staff report is fair and moves our city in the right
direction.

This report will allow our vehicle-for-hire industry to modernize,

innovate and compete.
This report will also introduce standards for public safety and
consumer protection while protecting accessibility for all vehiclefor-hire classes.
Thats what we will do.
But heres what we wont do.
We will not and cannot use regulation to keep a new entrant out
of the marketplace.
It is not our role as regulators to involve ourselves in the specifics.
And we should not use the blunt instrument of regulation.
It is clear that the taxi industry needs to change.
Change is never easy.
The industry needs fewer regulations and more competition.
For all other motions that will be brought forward, I want my
colleagues to think critically and consider the implications.
If we approach the future with old ideas, we will not be an
innovative city.
We cannot say that we support PTCs, then turn around and slap
unneeded rules on them that are based on failed approaches.
I look forward to the discussion.