Dr. Michael Ornstein, sociology expert, speaking at Ottawa Taxi trial today
Dr. Michael Ornstein, who is a Sociology expert and professor at York University, will start providing evidence today. He will speak about the social and ethnic make-up of the taxi industry and the historical disadvantages that its members have faced.
Members of Ottawa’s taxi industry launched the $215 million class-action lawsuit in April 2016, alleging the city did not protect drivers and the industry when ride-sharing services hit city streets. The suit also claims the city discriminated against minority taxi plate holders by failing to enforce its own bylaw and changing the bylaw to allow private transportation companies.
The lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Metro Taxi Ltd., co-owner Marc Andre Way and Iskhak Mail, with the lawsuit seeking damages on behalf of taxi plate owners and brokers.
