Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) plans to meet with police, taxi companies and taxi licensing agencies because the number of complaints they receive from First Nations citizens having negative experiences using cabs in Thompson and Winnipeg is on the rise.
The hope is that these meetings will help ensure passengers feel safe when using taxis.
“This is very concerning as many people who travel to urban centres from the North must use taxis to access their appointments,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee in a May 30 press release. “People who use taxis should feel safe at all times and not be subjected to any type of behaviour that is threatening, intimidating, or causes harm. At the MKO we are especially aware of and concerned about the safety of First Nations women and girls, and we will be working to ensure they are not put in harm’s way simply because they need to use a taxi.”
Thompson residents have been posting their experiences with Thompson cabs on the Facebook group Thompson Talk, telling of their experiences being taken over the Miles Hart Bridge against their will and having to force their way out of a cab or being asked to provide money greater than the fare for where they are going up front before some drivers will agree to drive them. Several people gathered on Selkirk Avenue with signs May 28 to draw attention to these incidents.
Thompson RCMP have received and are investigating several complaints involving taxi drivers, but a Manitoba RCMP spokesperson said no one has ben arrested, charged or held in custody at this point.
Under Thompson’s taxicab bylaw, people with previous criminal convictions for impaired driving, dangerous driving, robbery, sexual offences and violent crimes such as homicide, assault and abduction are not eligible to be licensed as taxi drivers. It also prohibits taxi drivers from taking a passenger to a place other than their stated destination without sufficient reason. Drivers are allowed to request a reasonable approximation of the fare from someone if they believe that person can’t or won’t pay the fare, though they must return any difference between the amount collected in advance and the actual fare once they reach the destination. Cabs are also required to have operational in-car cameras. The city’s licence inspector has the power to investigate complaints and suspend drivers’ licences.
MKO is asking First Nations citizens from northern communities to share concerns about safety when using taxis to contact them by email at infor@mkonorth.com or by calling 1-800-442-0488.
