Allowing surveillance in taxis part of proposed Iqaluit bylaw overhaul
New rules would require accessible vehicles; deputy mayor wants vulnerable sector checks for drivers
A second reading of the City of Iqaluit’s vehicle-for-hire bylaw, which mainly applies to taxi companies and drivers, has been pushed to the city council meeting on May 28 so more councillors can give input. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
A proposed bylaw that would overhaul the rules governing Iqaluit’s taxis stalled during Tuesday night’s city council meeting because not everybody was there to provide input.
“It is hefty bylaw, there’s a lot in there,” said Coun. Kyle Sheppard, who is also chairs the taxi review committee.
Council voted to pass the bylaw through first reading but will hold off on second reading so Mayor Solomon Awa, as well as councillors Romeyn Stevenson and Harry Flaherty — who were not at this week’s meeting — have a chance to read and comment on the proposed changes.
The proposed bylaw covers all vehicles for hire, which mainly applies to taxis.
The biggest changes would allow drivers to install audio and video surveillance in their vehicles and require companies to keep accessible vehicles in their fleets.
Sheppard brought up a local initiative to open a private bus service in Iqaluit and asked what could be done to amend the bylaw to allow for this type of business to operate.
Mugford said the bylaw could be expanded to include more specific rules for a transit or shuttle bus.
Deputy Mayor Kim Smith, who said she won’t be present for the next council meeting, also provided input on the proposals.
Requiring one accessible vehicle can work for smaller taxi companies in the city, she said. But considering there is one major taxi company in town, the new rule could lead to having just one accessible taxi on the roads at times.
“I find that to be concerning, especially with cabs being the way that a lot of elders get around,” Smith said.
A grid system could be added to the bylaw, said Rod Mugford, the city’s chief municipal enforcement officer, where an accessible vehicle would be required for every certain number of vehicles in a company’s fleet.
Smith also asked about the type of record checks proposed in the bylaw.
The current bylaw includes restrictions on drivers with a criminal record, but a vulnerable sectors check should be required, she said, considering the number of vulnerable people — like children and elders — who take taxis.
“If someone cannot pass [a vulnerable sectors check] they should not be providing that service in our community,” Smith said.
In an interview with Nunatsiaq News, Smith said the proposed bylaw is “very important” because private taxis are the closest thing Iqaluit has to public transportation.
“They’re not public transportation, but that’s how they’re used,” she said, adding she hopes the city works toward establishing public transportation.
The next council meeting is scheduled for May 28.
Deputy Mayor Kim Smith is right that if you don’t have vulnerable sector clearance, you shouldn’t be a taxi driver. I strongly believe that anyone who works in public housing should also be required to have this clearance, as they are going into people’s homes. I have mentioned this in the past, but my opinion was never taken seriously by management.
I have brought up the issue that of housing staff with serious criminal records having access to people’s homes but it was brushed aside. I know oh housing association staff with convictions for sexual assaults against children and adults. Somehow they are allowed access to people’s homes. The level of acceptance of some of this stuff is mind blowing.
Yup! I don’t understand how they are able to be hired, they have access to vulnerable peoples homes and get to know where they live. It’s such ignorance on the housing association and a disaster waiting to happen. The minister should be made aware. Some workers are abusers/sexually assault history, hit and run on a small child (yup they still work there and is with someone working at NHC). I don’t understand how this is safe? Most people wouldn’t want people like this in their house. Qanuli?!
And a calculator for drivers, most of them try to overcharge elders.
Should be able to pay debit too but then too bad the drivers wouldn’t be able to pocket the money and would need to file taxes
I still wonder, if a $5.00 a head would be feasible. Maybe get all the taxi customers 🤔. Be friendly and helpful at the same time. Customers would be happy. I should start a taxi service.
This bylaw needs to include a requirement for the taxis to accept visa and debit as forms of payment!
On this episode of Not so cash cab. Iqaluit taxi businesses finally able to afford surveillance cameras after hiking up taxi fares. This fare applies to elders. It’s horrendous.
ALLOWED cameras?? It should be mandatory in this day and age.