HALIFAX — Uber Canada is doubling down on its bid to stop the Halifax region from imposing new licencing requirements on the ride-sharing service.
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.
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.
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.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2026.
The Canadian Press