Halifax looks to improve appeals process for taxi licences

Halifax is currently working on improving the process for handling appeals of taxi licenses in the municipality. Taxi drivers can have their licenses suspended if they are charged or convicted of a crime. In order to have their license reinstated, they must appeal to a three-person municipal appeal committee.

Bill Moore, the executive director of community safety for Halifax, stated that the staff is collaborating with privacy experts from the province to establish a more standardized procedure for these appeals. It is crucial to strike a balance between the legal rights of the drivers involved in the court process and providing the committee with sufficient information to make informed decisions.

Previously, there have been various methods of obtaining information for these appeals. The current committee structure, consisting of three civilians with legal expertise, was implemented in 2021. Prior to this, decisions on appeals were made by regional elected councillors.

“We are focused on ensuring that we adhere to legal principles and respect the privacy of all parties involved. Our goal is to enable the appeals committee and the police to fulfill their responsibilities without compromising any aspect of the process,” Moore explained following a recent Halifax police board meeting.

Halifax has experienced several incidents involving taxi drivers accused of sexual assault and impaired driving over the past decade. One notable case involved driver Bassam Al-Rawi, who was convicted in August 2020 for a sexual assault that occurred eight years prior in Bedford, N.S.

Despite these incidents, the appeal committee has not convened frequently in recent times. The committee has not met this year, with the most recent appeal granted in January 2023 to a driver who had been convicted of impaired driving in his personal vehicle.

The municipality’s efforts to enhance the appeals process demonstrate a commitment to upholding legal standards while safeguarding the privacy rights of all parties involved. By establishing a more structured and transparent procedure, Halifax aims to ensure fair and consistent outcomes for individuals seeking to reinstate their taxi licenses.