Edmonton paves way for other cities to legalize Uber, experts say

Edmonton is paving the way for othercities to legalize ride-hailingcompanies such as Uber, some experts say.

The city became the first in Canada to pass a bylawregulating what it calls private transportation providers.

Other cities where Uber operatesare still questioning,debating or drafting bylaws to regulate the new industry.

John-Kurt Pliniussen, an associate professor ofbusiness at Queen's University, says Edmonton is showing othercities that it can be done and he expects most largermunicipalities will have bylaws in place by the end of the year.

Ontario's insurance regulator has made the move somewhat easierby approving coverage for ride-hailingdrivers.And Aviva Canada says it will workwith regulators acrossthe country to make the same insurance available in other provinces.

Mariana Valverde, an expert in municipal law at the University ofToronto, says insurance is a major hurdle in legalizing Uber.

However, she agrees that with Edmonton taking the first step,other cities are likely to follow.