Back-to-School - Vehicle-for-Hire Driver Training - by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the re-direction of Municipal Licensing and Standards resources to pandemic-related initiatives, the implementation of the driver training program has been delayed. This Motion requests an update on the implementation of the driver training program at the November 30, 2021 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee. Currently, Municipal Licensing and Standards continues to issue licences to drivers who have not completed a driver training course. While Municipal Licensing and Standards continues to ensure that drivers hold a Class G or higher provincial driver's license, pass driver screening and vehicle requirements, and carry $2,000,000 in mandatory insurance coverage, it is important that the driver training program be implemented as directed by City Council.

2. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to include the following as part of the scheduled report back to the November 30, 2021 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee on the status of an accreditation program and any driver training courses required to licence new vehicle-for-hire and private transportation company drivers, including: a. a report with confidential attachment, if needed, on any legal issues that may exist with respect to the delayed implementation of the driver training program; b. the number of drivers who have been issued a licence since June 1, 2020; c. a plan for implementing the driver training program for current and new licensees; and d. changes to service levels, including number of passenger trips, drivers available, and any relevant information pertaining to licensing, reported by Vehicles-for-Hire and Private Transportation companies due to the pandemic between March 2020 to present.