Joined by Uber driver Esther Nerling and Rover parking space owner Chase Winters at Queen’s Park today, MPP Tim Hudak outlined his Private Member’s Bill that will provide Ontarians like Esther and Chase the opportunity to earn extra money from their personal assets.
The Opportunity in the Sharing Economy Act empowers Ontarians to benefit from opportunities in the sharing economy. It will provide a province-wide framework for sharing economy businesses such as Uber, AirBnB and Rover to operate under clear rules.
Hudak’s Bill will also give people an opportunity to earn more income from assets they already own and make life more affordable in Ontario.
“Too many Ontario families are living paycheque to paycheque and would be hard-pressed to afford an unexpected expense. The opportunity to earn additional income from their car, home or driveway would be a minor miracle for those families,” says Hudak, explaining the province should give Ontarians the right to earn that income.
“It’s freed up my life and my time,” says Nerling on becoming an Uber driver. “For me it’s part of my income, for everybody else, it’s a safe and affordable way to get around Toronto. If we want to be a world-class city, we need to get on this.”
“While controversial, the sharing economy provides incredible opportunity for our province, and if we want Ontario to be an innovative economy and open the door to jobs we need to welcome these new opportunities – not stand in their way,” said Hudak. “My Bill will encourage greater competition, innovation, entrepreneurship and consumer choice, and therefore will provide a net benefit to Ontario residents and businesses.”
Hudak’s Private Member’s Bill will be debated in the Ontario Legislature on Thursday, Oct. 29.