Calgary United Cabs driver suspended after kissing men kicked out of taxi
CBC News | Posted: July 7, 2015 7:43 PM | Last Updated: July 8, 2015
Taxi driver Stephen Eze suspended and must appear before a licensing board in August
A driver from Calgary United Cabs has been suspended for discriminatory behaviour after two men complained they were kicked out of a taxi for kissing.
Nolan Hill, one of the passengers, says he was kissing another man when he was kicked out of a cab and told he was disgusting.
Hill complained to the City of Calgary's livery transport services, which issued a suspension to driver Stephen Eze on Tuesday. The investigation included a review of video recorded in the cab.
In a statement, Hill said the past few days have been overwhelming.
"I wanted to share this story to highlight a broader issue in the city. I am happy that people are talking about this. It is an important conversation to be having here in Calgary. At this point, there is little more for me to say. I appreciate the incredible support I have received in the wake of this."
Drivers must be professional and courteous and Eze's actions were neither, according to a news release from the city.
"Calgarians and visitors alike should feel safe when travelling in Calgary by taxi," said Mario Henriques, Calgary's chief livery inspector.
Once the suspension is up on August 5, Eze must appear in front of a review hearing to determine the future status of his licence.
Calgary United Cabs tweeted about the incident on Tuesday afternoon. "We always go as per law of the land to protect customer's rights," the tweet said.