Duelling protests over Uber's fate in Quebec
Provincial government expected to legislate Uber's operations next month
With the Quebec government planning legislation to regulate how Uber operates in the province, both supporters and critics of the ride-hailing service took to the streets of Montreal on Friday in attempt to sway public opinion.
Several hundred people affiliated with the taxi industry joined an anti-austerity group in front of the Palais des Congrès around noon.
The two groups called on the provincial government to crack down on tax avoidance. Quebec's taxi industry claims that Uber drivers don't pay taxes.
Uber Quebec manager, Jean-Nicolas Guillemette, has denied the accusation, saying it "is a myth that was created by the taxi industry."
Not far away in Victoria Square, a few hundred people gathered in support of Uber, sporting the company's blue, black and white colours. They fear government regulations will force the service to shut down in Quebec.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uber?src=hash">#Uber</a> supporters demonstrating in downtown Montreal--just beside another rally with dozens of taxi drivers <a href="https://t.co/niAoxNmGkS">pic.twitter.com/niAoxNmGkS</a>
—@TurnbullJayThe government's legislation, which is due to be tabled May 12, is expected to include stricter licensing fees and to force the company and its drivers hand over more tax revenue.