If legislation introduced this fall becomes law, British Columbia could finally make its long-awaited jump into the ridesharing market, welcoming the likes of Uber and Lyft into its cities.
Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver announced Monday that he will introduce a ridesharing bill to the BC Legislature in October.
Why I’m introducing ride-sharing legislation this fall #bcpoli https://t.co/Xme6K5Gi1z
— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) August 21, 2017
The move marks Weaver’s third attempt at creating a framework to allow the app-based services into BC. Twice in the past two years, he introduced private members bills, however, both died on the order papers.
But over the course of the past 2017 election campaign, both the BC Liberals and the BC NDP reconsidered their positions on ridesharing. Both parties ended up adding ridesharing-friendly commitments into their platforms.
“If we wish to consider ourselves as innovators in the emerging 21st century economy we must be willing to embrace the innovation that we create,” Weaver wrote on his website. “Failing to do suggests that we are not serious about taking a leadership position in the new economy.”
Feedback On Modified Member’s Bill Encouraged
The legislation to be introduced is slightly different than the previous private member’s bill version.
Weaver said he encourages people to examine the current draft of the Rideshare Enabling Act and provide input.
The draft’s modifications are the result of a few ridesharing companies are already operating unregulated in Metro Vancouver.
“It’s imperative that we bring in the appropriate legislation sooner than later in order to level the playing field,” wrote Weaver.
