Company says social media posts claiming drivers planning walkout over were not authorized
Iqaluit’s Caribou Cabs says its drivers will be out to give people rides over New Year’s Eve celebrations after a social media post warned there could be a service interruption. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Jeff Pelletier – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Iqaluit taxi service might be slower during New Year’s celebrations, but drivers will not be walking off the job, says Caribou Cabs executive director Danny Savard.
He is clearing the air after social media posts around Christmas warned of a possible interruption of taxi services in Iqaluit due to drivers’ exhaustion.
“No, there will be no disruption. Those posts were not from Caribou Cabs,” Savard said.
“The individual [who made the posts] was not an employee. He was a sponsored independent operator, and we prefer not to discuss an ongoing potential legal matter.”
The posts appeared online as a screenshot of a text message and were shared to the popular Iqaluit Community Events Facebook group. Those posts have since been deleted.
The time around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is busier than most days for the cab company, Savard said.
Taxis will be on the road to help people get around, but service may be a bit slower due to the higher call volume.
“Customers should expect a slightly longer waiting time and plan accordingly,” Savard said.
“From New Year’s Eve through to the new year, you can count on us for a warm and safe ride anywhere in town.”
New Year’s Eve is expected to be busy in Iqaluit with the end of the Christmas games at the Cadet Hall, fireworks shows at 10 p.m. and midnight, and multiple party events at local bars.
Over the holidays, Iqaluit RCMP and the city’s municipal enforcement have ramped up patrols to curb impaired and dangerous driving.
Over the course of two weekends in December, officers stopped 151 vehicles resulting in six criminal charges for impaired driving and numerous tickets and warnings being issued, the RCMP said in a release Monday.
“Choosing a designated driver, calling a taxi, or arranging alternative transportation helps ensure that everyone gets home safely,” the release said.
