Edmonton paves way for other cities to legalize Uber, experts say
Business professor expects most larger municipalities will have bylaws in place by the end of the year
Edmonton is paving the way for other cities to legalize ride-hailing companies such as Uber, some experts say.
The city became the first in Canada to pass a bylaw regulating what it calls private transportation providers.
Other cities where Uber operates are still questioning, debating or drafting bylaws to regulate the new industry.
John-Kurt Pliniussen, an associate professor of business at Queen's University, says Edmonton is showing other cities that it can be done — and he expects most larger municipalities will have bylaws in place by the end of the year.
Ontario's insurance regulator has made the move somewhat easier by approving coverage for ride-hailing drivers. And Aviva Canada says it will work with regulators across the country to make the same insurance available in other provinces.
Mariana Valverde, an expert in municipal law at the University of Toronto, says insurance is a major hurdle in legalizing Uber.
However, she agrees that with Edmonton taking the first step, other cities are likely to follow.