HALIFAX – Uber Canada is doubling down on its bid to stop the Halifax region from imposing new licencing requirements on ride-sharing services.
On Friday, Uber Canada spokesperson Keerthana Rang issued a statement encouraging its drivers to contact their regional councillors to complain about the proposals, which go before council on Tuesday.
“Halifax already has one of the strongest rideshare frameworks in Canada,” her statement says.
“Drivers are already licensed through their platform, have completed the same background checks as taxi drivers, and paid for vehicle inspections — steps that go beyond what most Canadian cities require and already provide transparency and safety.”
Rang’s statement repeats criticism Uber made last month when a staff report to council recommended requirements for all ride-hailing services should be brought in line with those covering all taxi and limousine drivers.
The Uber spokesperson says the proposed changes would create redundant training and an additional $135 in fees for Uber drivers, resulting in a more expensive service for riders and more red tape and fees for drivers.
As well, she said Uber drivers will have to pay an additional $100 every two years after meeting the initial requirements.
Under the existing system, taxi drivers must send the municipality results from training and background checks, which include scans for criminal records, child abuse allegations and a police check for those working with vulnerable people.
While ride-hailing drivers are subject to the same checks and training, the staff report says oversight is currently provided by companies like Uber, not the municipality.
Rang says the region’s licencing manager already has the authority to request documents from Uber drivers to determine if they are complying with all applicable laws. As well, Rang has said Uber is also subject to compliance audits, but the region has never asked for one.
“Uber is urging council to maintain the existing, effective framework that protects safety, ensures driver accountability and minimizes unnecessary red tape,” Rang said.
Still, the region’s staff report says many jurisdictions in Canada are moving toward licencing systems that require all ride-hailing drivers and taxi drivers to undergo the same training and screening requirements.
Meanwhile, the region’s staff report also recommends changing the way the municipality regulates taxi and limousine rates. The report says the system has not kept pace with challenges created by ride-hailing services, which can quickly adjust their pricing to compete for riders.
The report suggests introducing a semi-regulated approach that would allow taxi operators set their own rates. But it says those rates must be approved by a regulator.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2026.
