Lynda Poirier of the suicide prevention centre responds to reporters questions as taxi industry spokes person Abdallah Homsy reacts, Friday, March 29, 2019 in Quebec City. A taxi driver attempted to kill himself earlier during a live television newscast. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Republished March 29, 2019 - 1:13 PM
Original Publication Date March 29, 2019 - 7:11 AM
Quebec's taxi industry suspended all pressure tactics over the province's proposed overhaul of taxi regulations after a member harmed himself on live television Friday.
An industry group said the decision was made after the dramatic incident at the end of an interview with a taxi owner on the LCN all-news network.
Appearing alongside a suicide prevention organization director at a news conference in Quebec City, taxi group spokesman Abdallah Homsy said the focus needs to be on the mental health of taxi owners and drivers.
"This morning, one of our distressed colleagues called out for help on television by trying to end his life," Homsy said. "I invite all my colleagues who are in mental distress, or friends and family who witness that distress, to seek out help."
Taxi drivers had been protesting all week in Montreal and Quebec City, claiming the government's proposed reforms will drive many of them into bankruptcy.
Transport Minister Francois Bonnardel last week tabled Bill 17 to modernize the province's taxi industry in response to ride-hailing applications like Uber.
The bill would get rid of a quota system that limits the number of taxis in each city, and drivers say it would render their permits worthless. The province is offering a total of $500 million to compensate permit-holders.
Bonnardel said in a statement Friday that he was very upset by the televised incident. He said he has been touched by testimonials from cab drivers and owners about the impact of the government bill.
He reiterated the importance of discussions between representatives of the traditional taxi industry and the province to ensure a "harmonious transition" and encouraged anyone in distress to seek help.
A Quebec City police spokesman said first responders quickly arrived at the television studio and transported the injured man to hospital. Homsy later tweeted that his colleague was doing better.
"But we must give him the time necessary for his convalescence," he wrote.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019