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By Kenneth Cheung

public safety

‘We are in a tough spot right now’: Past violence cited after fatal shooting of North Battleford taxi driver

Mar 17, 2026 | 2:52 PM

A North Battleford taxi company says the fatal shooting of one of its drivers has exposed ongoing safety concerns in the industry, including past assaults and robberies.

The concerns come after a driver was shot and killed during a pickup call March 15, an incident that has left workers shaken and raised questions about protections for drivers.

READ MORE: Two 19-year-olds charged in North Battleford homicide

Crown Cab owner Haris Korath said the situation has created fear among drivers and within the company, and some drivers have already left their jobs following the incident.

“We can’t blame them. We are not compelling anybody to work.”

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He said safety issues have occurred periodically in the past, though not at the same level as the recent killing.

He described previous incidents involving violence against drivers.

“One time we had a customer pull out one of our drivers and like beat him up with a baseball bat, and he had six stitches,” he said.

He also recounted a robbery involving a weapon.

“Somebody put a knife on him, and they got $400 off of him, and we called 911,” Korath said. “Nobody responded. Not even after one hour.”

Korath said the company plans to bring its concerns forward.

“We will be informing the authority of all these things, and we’ll be pointing out our concerns because of the ignorance of the RCMP toward the cab drivers,” he said.

In a statement, Saskatchewan RCMP did not directly address the allegations but said “safety is a priority for all officers working at Battlefords RCMP Detachment. Every shift, officers are patrolling neighbourhoods and responding to all calls for service, which range from routine inquiries to high-risk situations.”

RCMP said they plan to engage with the local taxi industry to discuss safety concerns and explore ways to improve driver security, and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity or safety concerns.

The City of North Battleford said taxi companies are regulated under existing bylaws that set licensing and operational requirements, including criminal record checks and driving abstracts for drivers.

The city said drivers are permitted to refuse service if they believe their safety is at risk, but added that safety features such as cameras or partitions are determined by individual companies.

It also said it has not received any prior formal complaints about taxi driver safety.

“Following City Council’s request in autumn 2025, City Administration will be bringing the amended Vehicle for Hire Bylaw for Council’s consideration this spring. Public consultations conducted throughout this process will include input from taxi,” the city stated. 

In contrast, the City of Lloydminster recently updated its taxi and vehicle-for-hire bylaw to strengthen oversight and improve safety in the industry.

The updated bylaw allows the city to require in-car recording devices and expanded enforcement powers, including the ability for bylaw officers to inspect vehicles at any time and immediately suspend vehicles that pose a risk to public safety. 

It also allows the city to suspend or revoke licences, require compliance with safety standards and conduct ongoing oversight and enforcement of the taxi industry, with penalties for violations that can include fines that can reach up to $10,000.

“The updated bylaw enhances city efficiency, maintains strong oversight of the industry, and supports public safety interests,” the city stated.

Korath said Crown Cab has begun taking additional steps, including installing cameras in all vehicles. He said the company is also introducing new policies for passengers, including requiring bags to be placed in the trunk before entering vehicles.

“We are in a tough spot right now,” Korath said. “Nobody wants to work. We don’t know how to keep up the business.”

READ MORE: ‘I’m really scared’: North Battleford taxi company raises funds for slain driver’s family, adds safety measures

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com