Uber drivers hope to find ally in Quebec's new, younger transport minister

Uber drivers are optimistic about the future of the ride-hailing service in Quebec after the premier's appointment of a youthful Andr Fortinas transport minister.

Premier Philippe Couillard said Thursday Fortinwould hold talks with representatives from the ride-hailing company.

Uberhas threatened towouldleave the provinceon Oct. 14if the government didn't back down on stiffer requirements it's imposing on the service in order to renew its pilot project.

Then-transport minister Laurent Lessardsaid Uber drivers would have to undergo 35 hours of training the same number of hoursrequired oftraditional taxi drivers and submit to a criminal background check by police.

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Drivers for UbertoldCBC News they have yet to receive any directive from the company about what to expect this Saturday.

But they're convincedthe decisionto name a younger cabinet minister is a sign Philippe Couillard's government is ready to play ball.

Jean Caron, who's been driving for Uber for the past 10 months,said he's confidentthe 35-year-old Fortin will see their case more favourably than his predecessor did.

"He's the right person for it.Mr. Lessard, no offence, he was always shocked when we told him anything. He's not on the same planet as this guy," Caron said.

"This guy [Andr Fortin] knows his cellphone. He uses it every day. He knows what appsare and how they work."

Fortinmum on Uber for now

Fortin has so far avoided making any definitivestatements on his plans for Uber.

When asked directly if he had any thoughts on the topic, he replied,"Not yet."

Despite that, Uber drivers seem to have faith they'll find an ally in the newly appointed minister.

It's all about timing, said Eric Eno.

"If a few days before Uber leaves, they appoint a new minister, he has to work. He has a few days to do something,"Enosaid.

Eno has worked for two and a half years as an Uber driver in Montrealand relies on the appfor income.

"I spent about $17,000 [on a used car], but I do Uber full-time, so each week my profitsfrom Uber[are]enough for me to pay for the car," he said.

"But without Uber, that's it for me. No more work."

Enosaid he hasa permit to drive a truck, so he hopes to find employment that way if Uberdoes shut down for good.

However, he doubts it'll come to that.

• Is there life after Uber? What Montreal could learn from Austin, Texas

Taxi drivers on defensive

The new appointment also sent ripples through the taxi community.

Cab driversdemonstrated outsidethe transport minister's Montreal office on Wednesday, asking the government to stand up to Uber.

• 'They are not leaving': Taxi drivers worry province will strike another deal with Uber

Protesters and union memberssaid they wereworried that the newly appointed Fortin would give into Uber's demandsand strike a deal at the last minute.