Ridesharing may still come to B.C., as Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver says he will re-introduce legislation in October.
Ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft represent innovation that should be encouraged and regulated, Weaver said.
He said he has spoken with Premier John Horgan, who is “supportive” of the idea.
“You can’t be considered an innovator if you’re not willing to embrace innovation,” he said.
The legislation would include an instruction to the Insurance Corporation of B.C. to create an insurance category for services provided through companies such as Uber and Lyft.
Hailing a rideshare would be prohibited. Instead, the service would be ordered digitally.
Without rules in place, Weaver said unregulated pop-up services are emerging.
Weaver previously introduced the Rideshare Enabling Act in April 2016 and February 2017.
As part of the last bill, the rideshare company would be required to conduct annual reviews of drivers’ records. Drivers with violent or sex crime records or convictions under the controlled drugs and substance act would be prohibited.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena’s mandate letter, which outlines the government’s priorities that she is responsible for pursuing, directed her to work with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth to “create a fair approach to ridesharing.”
Although it did not include a timeline, the NDP said it supported the passing of new rules to introduce ridesharing this year, ahead of the election.
The next legislative session begins Sept. 8, when the throne speech will be delivered.
“The reason we won’t do it until October is to recognize there are a lot of immediate bills that must be put in place in the legislature,” Weaver said.
“But we also can’t sit back, as we try to embrace the emerging economy.”
Uber Canada spokeswoman Susie Heath responded to Weavers announcement: “We are pleased to see positive action from the B.C. Green Party today that will benefit British Columbians, and we encourage all parties to follow through on their election commitments to work together and make ridesharing a reality in 2017.”
