The Future of Autonomous and Driverless Vehicles

The development of autonomous and driverless transportation technology could significantly change the transportation industry.

We recognize that technology will continue to develop, but we also believe Canadians should have an informed discussion about how these changes may affect thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on driving.

Our association will advocate for drivers to have a voice in discussions surrounding autonomous vehicles and driverless transportation.

We will raise questions about:

• Employment and income impacts
• Public safety
• Accountability when something goes wrong
• The economic impact on Canadian workers
• The transition for professional drivers
• The role of human drivers in Canada’s transportation system
• The regulatory framework surrounding autonomous transportation

Keeping More Economic Value in Canada

Rideshare transportation generates significant economic activity.

Drivers purchase vehicles, fuel, electricity, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance, food, technology, and other goods and services in their local communities.

Our association wants governments and policymakers to examine how the rideshare economy affects Canadian workers and the broader Canadian economy.

We will raise questions about how much economic value remains within Canada, how transportation platforms operate within the Canadian regulatory and tax environment, and whether the current system provides an appropriate balance between platform businesses, drivers, passengers, and Canadian communities.

A Place for Drivers to Be Heard

Our website will provide drivers with a platform to share their experiences.

Drivers will be able to submit:

• Concerns
• Complaints
• Experiences
• Suggestions
• Safety issues
• Compensation concerns
• Deactivation experiences
• Platform-related problems
• Evidence and supporting documentation
• Policy concerns
• Ideas for improving the rideshare industry

Where appropriate, information submitted by drivers may be reviewed, organized, and presented to government officials, regulators, media organizations, researchers, companies, and other relevant stakeholders.

Personal information will be handled according to our privacy practices and applicable laws.

Polls and Driver Surveys

Drivers should have a voice in determining which issues matter most.

Our website will provide opportunities for drivers to participate in polls and surveys on important issues affecting the rideshare industry.

These may include questions about:

• Driver compensation
• Fuel and vehicle costs
• Platform policies
• Deactivations
• Safety
• Autonomous vehicles
• App features
• Working conditions
• Government regulations
• Industry changes

The information collected can help demonstrate broader driver experiences and identify issues that require further attention.

Petitions and Collective Action

When an issue affects a significant number of drivers, individual complaints can sometimes be difficult to hear.

A collective voice can help demonstrate the scale and importance of an issue.

Our association may organize petitions, public awareness initiatives, meetings, surveys, written submissions, and other lawful advocacy activities when drivers identify issues requiring action.

Working With Governments, Regulators, Companies and Other Organizations

We intend to communicate with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, transportation regulators, rideshare companies, unions, worker organizations, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.

This includes engaging with organizations and unions that represent or interact with transportation workers, including organizations such as UFCW, where appropriate.

We may support constructive discussions with these organizations while maintaining our independence and our responsibility to the drivers we represent.

We will raise concerns respectfully but firmly and seek meaningful responses to issues affecting Canadian rideshare drivers.

Evidence-Based Advocacy

Our association believes that strong advocacy should be supported by evidence.

Whenever possible, we will encourage drivers to provide documentation supporting their concerns, such as:

• Trip records
• Earnings information
• Platform communications
• Deactivation notices
• Receipts
• Vehicle-related expenses
• Safety reports
• Screenshots
• Photos
• Other relevant documentation

The purpose of collecting this information is to identify patterns, understand the real-world impact of industry policies, and provide decision-makers with information that may otherwise be difficult to see.

We will distinguish individual experiences from broader conclusions and seek to present information responsibly.

Protecting Drivers Without Ignoring Riders

Drivers and passengers are part of the same transportation ecosystem.

A healthy rideshare industry requires both drivers and riders to be treated fairly.

We support reasonable measures that protect passengers from unsafe or inappropriate conduct, while also believing that drivers should receive fair treatment and due process when allegations or complaints are made against them.

Our Independence

Our association is being created to give drivers an independent collective voice.

We are not established to serve the interests of any single rideshare platform, corporation, political party, or private organization.

Our focus is the interests and concerns of Canadian rideshare drivers.

We may work with governments, companies, unions, community organizations, media, researchers, and other groups when doing so can help address legitimate driver concerns.

However, our advocacy will remain focused on our mission and the issues raised by the drivers we represent.

Our Vision

We envision a Canadian rideshare industry where drivers can earn a sustainable income without sacrificing their safety, financial stability, health, family time, or dignity.