Quebec-Uber deal is an 'abuse of power', says taxi drivers' lawyer

A Quebec Superior Court judge will decide next week whether to grant the taxi industry an injunction against the government's deal with ride-hailing service Uber.

A lawyer for the taxi industry argued Friday to JusticeMichelDzielthat the dealamounts toan"abuse of power" and should be suspended.

The deal, which contains new rules and guidelines for the company and its drivers to abide by,allows Uber to continue operating in Quebec for another 12 months.

• What's in the Uber deal?
• Quebec taxi drivers take battle over Uber to court

Taxi industry lawyer, Marc-AntoineCloutier, said thatwhen Transport Minister Laurent Lessardmade the Uber deal, he created a new law that runs parallel to the existing one regulating the industry.

"Would you buy a taxi permit today if you knew there was a mobile app that allows you to do the exact same thing without following the rules?"Cloutier said to reporters Friday afternoon after the hearing ended.

Cloutiersaidthe deal could have been conditional onUbergetting the required permits. Instead, itinstituted a per-ride feeUbermust pay to the government that ranges from $0.90 to $1.26.

The taxi industrywantsthe court to suspend the deal,arguingLessardhas gone beyond the powers given to him bythe National Assembly.

• Uber cars seized while taxi industry promises legal action to contest deal

The provincial government is arguing thatunder the banner of a pilot project, the minister has the power to put through arrangements like theUberdeal.

The judge is expected to hand down his decision Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.