Duelling protests over Uber's fate in Quebec

With the Quebec government planning legislation to regulatehow Uber operates in the province, both supporters and critics of the ride-hailing service took to the streets of Montreal on Fridayin attempt to sway public opinion.

• Uber should be recognized as 'distinct service,' company says

Several hundred people affiliated with the taxi industry joined an anti-austerity groupin front of thePalais des Congrsaround noon.

The two groups called on the provincial government to crack down on tax avoidance. Quebec'staxi industry claims that Uberdrivers don'tpay taxes.

Uber Quebec manager, Jean-NicolasGuillemette, has denied the accusation, saying it"is a myth that was created by the taxi industry."

Not far away in Victoria Square, a few hundredpeople gatheredin support of Uber, sporting the company's blue, black and white colours. They feargovernmentregulations will force the service to shut down in Quebec.

The government'slegislation, which isdue to be tabled May 12,is expected toinclude stricter licensing feesand to forcethe company and its drivers hand over more tax revenue.