Local taxi companies and a Canadian ride-hailing app are urging Toronto City Council to block Uber and Lyft from city-issued phones as part of its recently launched “Buy Canadian” initiative.
The push comes after the council passed a motion on Feb. 5 to prioritize local procurement in response to U.S. tariff threats.
In a letter signed by Beck, Co-op Cabs, Toronto 1 Taxi, and Canadian ride-hailing platform HOVR, the companies argue that Toronto should extend its “Buy Canadian” strategy to the ride-hailing industry.
“We urge you to extend both campaigns to include the taxi and ride-hail industry,” the letter states, calling for policies that prioritize domestic ride services for city partnerships, procurement, and employee reimbursements.
The companies also want the city to ban the use of U.S.-based ride-hailing apps for municipal business and on city-issued devices. Additionally, they are advocating for a single city-issued driver’s license that would allow operators to work across all city-licensed ride platforms.
“Canadian companies can easily step in to connect Torontonians with their next ride home,” the letter argues, highlighting that local taxi firms and HOVR offer app-based services similar to their American competitors.
The letter accuses U.S. ride-hailing giants of aggressive market tactics that have sidelined Canadian competitors while funneling profits out of the country.
“Consumers are stuck with a near-monopoly of U.S. companies that can surge prices with no limits,” the companies wrote.
In response, Uber Canada pushed back against the claims, saying it contributes significantly to the Canadian economy.
“Uber Canada is run by Canadians for Canadians, helping millions of Canadians go anywhere, get anything, and earn their way at the tap of a button,” Uber Canada spokesperson Keerthana Rang said in a statement to CP24.
She noted that more than 180,000 Uber drivers and couriers operate in Canada, and thousands of local restaurants and merchants rely on Uber Eats for deliveries. The company’s Canadian headquarters is based in Toronto.
Zeus Eden, spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow, said in an email that the city is evaluating ways to support local businesses and workers amid the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
“Mayor Chow supports taking a Team Canada approach and encourages Torontonians to look at options to Buy Canadian in their daily purchases,” Eden wrote.
The city is also reviewing its vehicle-for-hire policies and has sent a rideshare licensing plan back to staff for further study.