Uber Edmonton temporarily suspends operations

In a letter to drivers, Uber Edmonton says that in light of the announcement Monday afternoon by the provincial government, the company will temporarily suspend operations in Edmonton effective Tuesday March 1, 2016 at 6:00 a.m.

Transportation Minister Brian Mason unveiled details Monday afternoon of the province's plan to regulate driver-for-hire companies like Uber. The plan includes a police check for drivers, the requirement of a Class 4 licence and appropriate insurance being made available on July 1, 2016.

Uber says the province forced Uber to suspend operation in the city and that they "regret deeply that these government decisions will prevent [drivers] from earning by driving on the Uber platform in the coming weeks."

Brian Mason responded on Twitter citing that the province has been working with Uber, alluding that the decision should not have come as a surprise to the company.

Although Uber said operations will cease in the Edmonton area, it will continue to offer its ride sharing services in surrounding areas.

The City of Edmonton has a scheduled news conference at 12:15pm Tuesday and are expected to discuss the provincial plan as well as Uber's temporary suspension of service in the city.