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QUEBEC — Newly-minted Transport Minister Laurent Lessard confirmed Tuesday there is still no agreement with Uber over a pilot project that would see the ride-sharing company operate legally in the province within its own special category.

The question of whether Uber has the right to operate in Quebec has been stirring up passions for months, and Lessard — barely three days into his new job — received warning from taxi drivers that the pilot project better respect the law or drivers will take the matter to the courts, and also into their own hands by reporting Uber drivers to police.

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“Uber has presented a proposal, and the process is following its course,” Lessard told reporters, adding he is scheduled to meet with Uber Quebec and taxi industry representatives separately next week.

Bill 100, which passed amid much controversy June 10, calls for ride-hailing companies to adhere to Quebec’s existing system of taxi permits, or risk facing stiff penalties. But the law was also amended to give the government and Uber until Sept. 8 to hammer out a pilot project. In the absence of an agreement, the law will come into effect at midnight Sept. 8, and Uber drivers operating without permits could be severely sanctioned.