Uber taking Surrey to court over 'illegal tickets'

David Molko Senior Reporter, CTV News Vancouver

@molkoreports Contact

WATCH VIDEO: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/uber-taking-surrey-to-court-over-illegal-tickets-1.4787782

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2020 6:05PM PSTLast Updated Tuesday, January 28, 2020 7:26PM PST

VANCOUVER -- Uber is asking a BC Supreme Court judge to step in and order an injunction to stop the City of Surrey from issuing what it calls "illegal tickets" to its drivers.

The announcement comes a day after Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum said drivers who continue to pick up in the city would no longer get warnings from bylaw officers, and instead would be handed $500 fines.

"Our preference is to work collaboratively with municipalities, and we are doing so across the region," Uber's head of western Canada, Michael van Hemmen, said in a written statement. "However, Uber must stand up when drivers and riders are being bullied and intimidated."

On Monday, CTV News interviewed Uber driver Carlos Medina who said he felt "cornered" by Surrey bylaw officers. He said they used the app Sunday afternoon to pose as a would-be passenger before writing him a warning ticket.

Uber’s application for an injunction is based in large part on its understanding that the City of Surrey "does not have the authority to prevent ridesharing companies from operating."

Transportation Minister Claire Trevena told CTV News on Tuesday that provincial law specifically does not allow a municipality to block services.

"While I understand (Mayor McCallum’s) concerns, and he is very, very passionate about this," said Trevena, "…we do have legislation in place."

Trevena wouldn’t directly answer a question about whether the province is exploring legal options in court, but said she is in communication with McCallum.

"I would hope that (the Mayor) listens to the overwhelming demand for ride hailing that I’m sure he’s aware of,” said Trevena.

On Tuesday, before Uber filed its application, McCallum told a news conference he had "no concerns" about lawsuits.

A day earlier, the mayor said that he "supports" ride hailing, but only on a "level playing field" with the taxi industry.

While municipalities may issue business licences to ride hailing companies, the mayor has acknowledged there is no licence available in Surrey for ride hailing services.

In September 2019, he told a gathering of taxi drivers in East Vancouver that business licences were the "tool" he was keeping in his back pocket to keep ride hailing out of Surrey and said he would not be issuing them.

The move by Uber comes a day after nine Metro Vancouver cab companies filed two legal challenges, including an application for an injunction to suspend Uber and Lyft while a petition to rescind their licences goes before the court.

In the application filed Tuesday, Uber said that if the request for an injunction is refused, the company is prepared to go to trial and will seek restitution and compensation for lost profits.

Uber’s application is scheduled to be heard in BC Supreme Court on Feb. 5.

Thousands turn out for Vancouver Lunar New Year parade despite coronavirus concerns

BY SEAN BOYNTON GLOBAL NEWS

Posted January 26, 2020 3:03 pm

One of Canada’s largest Lunar New Year festivals went ahead in Vancouver’s Chinatown on Sunday despite mounting concerns about the Wuhan coronavirus.

The Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade snaked its way through the community with several large lion dance troupes and local community groups taking part, delighting the thousands of spectators who lined the streets.

But the parade, which was celebrating its 47th year in Vancouver, nearly didn’t happen as the coronavirus continues to spread and the death toll in China rises.

Parade coordinator Jun Ing said organizers held an emergency meeting Saturday where they agreed to let the popular event go ahead.

“There’s always going to be a risk, but the risk wasn’t so huge that we could not go on,” he said.

Ing said despite the decision to carry on, roughly a dozen teams pulled out of the parade ahead of time.

Participants and spectators were also told that if they have travelled to China recently, they should consider not attending.

That warning didn’t appear to sway the crowd, however, which packed Chinatown to take in the eye-catching lion dances and live musical performances.

Among the more notable attendees included NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and other members of the federal and provincial governments.

Ing said it was important for the parade to be held regardless of the health scare.

“It’s a tradition,” he said. “This is the 47th year. It’s not going to be cancelled on my watch.”

Health officials and event organizers have been on high alert as the Lunar New Year coincided with the outbreak of the deadly respiratory illness, which has killed at least 56 people in China and infected nearly 2,000 people in a little over a week.

With families travelling from China to Canada to ring in the new year with relatives, enhanced screenings were put in place at airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal asking all international travellers if they have been to Wuhan.

At least two events in the Lower Mainland — one at the Semiahmoo Mall in South Surrey, and another at a Langley church — were both cancelled Saturday due to concerns attendees may bring the virus from China.

Wuhan has been on lockdown since late Wednesday, with the military blocking access to roads, train stations and airports. Nearly all deaths linked to the disease have originated from the city and the surrounding Hubei province.

Sixteen other surrounding cities have also been locked down, with all travel halted to those cities.

Ontario Health officials announced Saturday that a man in his 50s had been diagnosed with a “presumptive” case of coronavirus in Toronto, marking Canada’s first case.

Five cases have now been confirmed in the U.S. after officials announced two cases in California and a single case in Arizona on Sunday.

The U.S. is planning to evacuate diplomats and private citizens from Wuhan on Tuesday. Canada has not yet announced similar measures.

B.C. health officials and agencies including the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control say the risk to British Columbians is “very low,” and have yet to confirm any cases.

Officials say they won’t speculate on potential cases, only saying that no travellers who have reported respiratory symptoms at YVR airport have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Remembrance Day 2019: Where ceremonies are being held in B.C. Social Sharing

A list of ceremonies taking place across the province Nov. 11

CBC News · Posted: Nov 08, 2019 11:39 AM PT | Last Updated: November 8

There are dozens of Remembrance Day ceremonies being held throughout B.C. on Nov. 11. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)

Across the province, people will gather on Nov. 11 to pay their respects at Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Here's a list of some of the events happening in B.C.'s bigger municipalities (all times PT). Similar services will be held in smaller communities across the province. 

Abbotsford

A Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at Thunderbird Memorial Square. The ceremony will include a parade starting at 10:30 a.m. and a moment of silence at 11 a.m.

Chilliwack

Chilliwack will host several ceremonies:

• At 10 a.m. at the cenotaph in downtown Chilliwack, by the Chilliwack Museum on Main Street.

• At 10 a.m. at the Vedder Crossing Cenotaph.

• At the Coqualeetza Longhouse at 10 a.m., in honour of Sto:lo Nation warriors.

Delta

A ceremony will be held at North Delta Social Heart Plaza beginning at 10:40 a.m., followed by a reception.

The Ladner Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a Remembrance Day event at Memorial Park. A parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. from the legion the Memorial Park Cenotaph. A ceremony will be held at 10:45 a.m.

Kamloops

A ceremony and parade will begin at Riverside Park at 10:30 a.m. 

Kelowna

Downtown, a parade to the City Park Cenotaph will begin at 10:30 a.m., leading up to a ceremony around 10:45 to 11 a.m. After the ceremony, parade attendees will continue to march to Stuart Park. 

Another ceremony and parade will take place at Rutland Lions Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

The poppy became a symbol of remembrance following the First World War. (Justin Pennell/CBC)

Langley

A ceremony will be held at Douglas Park in Langley, set to start at 10:45 a.m. A parade will arrive at the event start time, followed by the ceremony at 10:55 a.m. Community members can order wreaths in person or over the phone which will be picked up by the city and delivered to the ceremony site.

The Township of Langley will hold three ceremonies across the community.

Aldergrove: A parade to the Aldergrove Legion will leave Old Yale Road at 10:45 a.m. PT. The procession will be followed by a service starting at 10:50 a.m. PT which will include a wreath laying and a flypast over the ceremony by the Fraser Blues. 

Fort Langley: A procession beginning at 10:25 a.m. will march through the Fort Langley Cemetery, past the graves of fallen soldiers, to the cenotaph. Following the procession, a service will be held which will include a flypast by the Fraser Blues at 11 a.m. 

Murrayville: A procession will depart from the south end of Murrayville Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. After the event, attendees can visit the Langley Golf and Banquet Centre or United Church for refreshments. 

Maple Ridge

A Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at Memorial Peace Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. A parade will march through the downtown core to the Cenotaph. A ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. followed by flags being lowered at 11:30.

Children sit quietly at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Kelowna, B.C., in 2016. (@ChristyClarkBC/Twitter)

Mission

A parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. at Clark Theatre, followed by a ceremony at 10:40 a.m.

Nelson

A parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. from the Nelson Royal Canadian Legion, leading up to a ceremony at Nelson City Hall at 11 a.m.

New Westminster

A parade will begin at 10:25 a.m., heading from Queens Avenue and Sixth Street to the Cenotaph on Royal Avenue. 

North Vancouver

A service will be held on the east side of Victoria Park at 11 a.m., followed by a procession. The North Vancouver Legion will host entertainment from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and minors are invited to visit the cadet houses following the ceremony. Up to 6,000 community members are expected to attend.

Pitt Meadows

A ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph in Spirit Square beginning at 10:45 a.m. A reception will commence afterwards at Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre. Community members who would like to include their wreath in the ceremony can drop it off at the event location from 9 to 10 a.m.

Port Coquitlam

The Port Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion will host a Remembrance Day ceremony at Veterans Park beginning at 11 a.m 

Port Moody

A parade and ceremony will be hosted at 10:30 a.m. at the Port Moody Arts Centre. The event will be followed by entertainment at the Port Moody Legion from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Prince George

A Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, beginning at 9 a.m.

Richmond

A parade will start at 10:20 a.m. leading up to a ceremony and wreath laying held at the cenotaph at Richmond City Hall. After the ceremony, community members can attend a reception at the City Hall Galleria.

Surrey

Surrey will host several Remembrance Day events, including a number of processions taking place throughout the city. The main official ceremony, hosted by the City of Surrey and Cemetery Services, will be held at the Surrey Centre Cemetery starting at 10:45 a.m.

Vancouver

The city's main Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place at Victory Square Park beginning at 10 a.m., where the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande Choir will be performing.

Community members are also invited to honour Chinese-Canadian military veterans and Chinese-Canadian pioneers at Chinatown's annual Remembrance Day Ceremony, starting at at 12:30 p.m.

A ceremony at the University of B.C. begins at 10:45 a.m. at the War Memorial Gym, including short readings, remarks from special guests and musical performances by the UBC Opera Ensemble.

Victoria

A wreath laying will be held at the City of Victoria Cenotaph beginning at 10:30 a.m., and a service will be held at Parliament Square in Victoria, beginning at 11 a.m. The service will include attendance by the St. John Ambulance Brigade, a wreath laying, and a special prayer offered by Rev. Andrew Gates. 

Event organizers are asking for community members' patience and understanding as space and seating will be limited this year due to construction in the area. 

West Vancouver

A ceremony will be held starting with a parade from the Legion to the West Vancouver Cenotaph, followed by an official service. Community members can attend a reception at the Legion following the ceremony, at 580 18th St.

White Rock

A ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph at White Rock City Hall, beginning with a parade from Johnston Road at Roper Avenue at 10:30 a.m. A service will begin at 11 a.m., and community members are invited to visit the White Rock Royal Canadian Legion for entertainment afterwards.

With files from Marwa Elgabry