IQALUIT
The City of Iqaluit's iconic fixed-rate taxi fare could go to $7 from $6 if cab drivers get their way, but plans to put security cameras in taxis are getting more traction. For one company owner, the priorities are skewed.

Citing hardship for drivers, Pai-Pa Taxi owner Craig Dunphy says plans to require security cameras in all Iqaluit taxis need to take a back seat to a $1 fare increase to $7 from $6. - Casey Lessard/NNSL photo

"I think they should shut that down and forget about it until (the fare increase) gets passed," said Craig Dunphy, who owns Pai-Pa Taxi. "I think it's a much bigger priority. When was the last time you paid the same price for something today that you did seven years ago?"

Taxi review board chair Noah Papatsie suggested the cameras are the hot topic.

"Right now, there's been discussion about the camera situation," Papatsie said. "The taxis are asking for cameras to be installed in their vehicles. It would be mandatory. In their favour, they asked this to get done, on their dime. They're not asking for any money from the city. They're asking if they can start (recording), and the video can be distributed to the RCMP, or to the city or the public. So far, looking good."

Dunphy says he would refuse to install the cameras without the increased revenue.

"I can see everyone raising their hands and saying there should be cameras but not a rate increase," he said. "It shouldn't even be on the table at this point. On the committee, you have a bunch of people who don't even take taxis making decisions to try to tell me how to run my operation. Why doesn't the city put an airline advisory committee together to tell the airlines what they can charge? It ain't gonna happen."

"Taxis are saying they're getting ripped off," Papatsie said of the rationale for both suggestions. "They're losing quite a bit of money. The public needs to have a say about this dollar increase, which they have the right to do."

Dunphy says it's a matter of survival for a class of citizens much maligned.

"According to anyone you talk to, cab drivers are bootleggers, drug dealers, or rich anyway. It's a good chuckle," he said. "It's very difficult for cab drivers to stay on the road. They can't go to their landlords and say, 'I haven't had a raise in seven years, so back off on my rent,' or go into NorthMart and say, 'Can I pay the same for a loaf of bread as I did seven years ago?' Their expenses are continually going up, but their level of pay is the same as it was seven years ago, actually less because of the increased number of vehicles in town."

Members of the public can have their say at a meeting set for Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.