Article content

As much as some people hate it, Uber is not going away. The entire sharing economy is here to stay. And that’s a good thing.

At the same time, though, it’s been a bumpy road in Canada for the ride-sharing technology. And with the ongoing dispute over just what sort of insurance coverage Uber and its drivers have and need, that road isn’t about to smooth out anytime soon.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Breakenridge: Uber deserves a smoother ride in Calgary Back to video

This confusion only plays into the hands of the vested interests who wish to derail this technology and protect their turf. There’s no putting the genie back in this bottle, but it doesn’t mean the defenders of the status quo are going to go down without a fight.

In reality, though, this Uber insurance “problem” shouldn’t be a problem at all. There are some legitimate issues to be resolved, but if governments, insurance companies, and Uber itself come to the table in good faith, a solution should be relatively simple.

Alberta’s superintendent of insurance, Mark Prefontaine, warned last week that drivers and passengers need to be cautious, as insurance gaps may exist. Uber is not yet operating here in Calgary, but they are in talks with the city. Uber, though, has been operating in Edmonton, even though Edmonton tried and failed to bring an injunction against the company.