In a rally held at the Alberta legislature Saturday afternoon, Uber drivers and supporters urged the provincial government to accelerate its approval of new insurance needed to keep operating in Edmonton.

“Despite our best efforts, things could grind to a halt next week,” said Uber Alberta’s general manager, Ramit Kar.

On Tuesday, the City’s new vehicle-for-hire bylaw, allowing the ride-sharing giant to operate legally, comes into effect. However, Uber won’t be able to get a licence without provincially approved insurance.

“We’re really trying to make the statement that the government needs to act,” Kar explained.

According to Uber, they have been working with the province for several months.

“Our partner, Intact Insurance, has presented the Alberta government a product that meets every technical requirement that Alberta’s superintendent of insurance has requested,” he explained.

In a statement to CTV News, a government spokesperson said “the issue remains under review” and that they “are committed to finding an appropriate solution allowing ride share companies to operate in a fair manner, while also protecting drivers, passengers and other road users”.

Despite the company’s history of operating illegally in the city, Kar said drivers will stop working if licensing and insurance approval isn’t granted before the March 1 deadline.

“We will unfortunately have to cease operations and the thousands of riders and thousands of drivers and their families will be impacted.”

Vivian Basuyaux was laid off in October and turned to Uber to pay his bills.

“Uber was a way for me to get out of the house as well. Keep my mind busy on something else and at the end of the day think okay, I didn’t waste my time today, I helped people,” he said.

No timeline was given by the province.

With files from Amanda Anderson