Ontarians Hear How MPP’s Act Will Allow Them To Earn Income From Their Assets

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, MPP Tim Hudak released details on how his Private Member’s Bill, Opportunity in the Sharing Economy, will empower people to earn needed income from their home, car or parking space.

“Right now Ontarians are struggling to make ends meet and balance their budgets. The Sharing Economy gives Ontarians some control over their income and budget, by allowing them to earn as much or as little as they want using resources the already own,” said Hudak. “My Bill simply empowers them to utilize this new technology to their benefit and removes any grey area of legislation.”

In other cities where ridesharing app Uber or the home-sharing service Airbnb operate, users can earn up to $8,000 or more a year by sharing a home, or $3,000 sharing a ride.

“Ontarians have the right to do the same,” said Hudak, noting many people who share their home are using the added income to pay off mortgages and stay in their homes.

Hudak’s Bill also brings in clear, province-wide standards around consumer protection and public safety.

Hudak says his Opportunity in the Sharing Economy Act will make Uber, and other services like it, legal in Ontario, but adds it also sets clear standards based on best practices used internationally, such as having proper insurance in place.

Some of the details of Hudak’s Private Member’s Bill include:

• Ridesharing regulations requiring drivers to have a clean driving record and no criminal record at all.

• An Accessible Vehicle Fund that encourages more fully accessible vehicles to be on the road.

• Home-sharing rules would allow a home to be shared, in full or in part, for up to 120 days before any licensing or regulations are required.

• Parking regulations allow anyone who owns a legal parking space to share it in full or in part for 365 days a year, without needing additional licenses.

• Parking space owners must ensure each parking space has direct and unrestricted access to the roadway and does not block the sidewalk or other vehicles.

“We’re welcoming investment, growth in jobs and providing Ontarians with the opportunity to earn much-needed income,” added Hudak.

MPP Hudak has also created a website (www.opportunityinthesharingeconomy.ca) dedicated to his Private Member’s Bill that provides further detail, as well as the opportunity for public discussion and comment to politicians.

Hudak concluded, “As I’ve said before, I really want this Private Member’s Bill to open debate on this issue, so I hope people will take the time to visit the website and join the discussion.”