The provincial government has tabled its much-anticipated law regarding Uber and other app-based transportation services.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Transportation Minister Jacques Daoust said Bill 100 would create a level playing field for all drivers who transport paying passengers.

The biggest change: Uber drivers will be required to have taxi medallions in order to carry paying passengers.

"(Drivers will have to) rent or buy, on a secondary market, taxi permits and make sure that the drivers are certified taxi drivers," he said.

Daoust said this will protect consumers by ensuring they have access to a secure service.

The Minister said if Uber wants to operate in Quebec it will have to comply with regulations.

"If they decide to leave Quebec, it's a private sector company, it's their decision," said Daoust.

The legislation says that municipalities or agglomerations will be able to determine how many vehicles and drivers are allowed on the road at any given time.

Anyone caught carrying passengers without a permit would face sanctions of $2,500 to $25,000, and companies would be fined up to $50,000.

Drivers without the appropriate license and permit would also face having their driver's licence suspended and the possibility of having their car seized.

The head of the Taxi Development Committee says it is good legislation for working Quebecers.

"It's a victory for Quebecers because we live in a province where the rights and power are decided by the National Assembly," said Guy Chevrette.

For the province's taxi drivers, the bill is a victory that has long been sought after. Benoit Jugand, a spokesperson for the province's taxi union, said there is no fear of a public backlash.

"Uber has been threatening the government, disrespecting the citizens, taxi drivers and taxi owners," he said. "What they need to do now is stop whining and get out of Quebec now."

Uber said it is studying the legislation in the next few days.

Bill 100 also says that the Quebec Transport Commission will set the rates for all regions, and that it can determine different rates for different areas and different times of day, and would permit surge pricing to increase prices during times of high demand.

It also specifies that all companies providing taxi or taxi-style services must operate at all hours within their territory.

Under the bill local Taxi Bureaus, or similar agencies, must provide a way for customers to provide feedback about drivers.

The province is going to spend up to $25 million to help taxi companies update their equipment.

The bill has garnered a mixed reaction from the province's other political figures. Parti Quebecois Transport Critic Martine Ouellet said her party will support the legislation.

"It was about time," she said. "It has been two years now that we have illegal taxis in Quebec, which is not acceptable."

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre also expressed support.

"You gotta clean up your dump in some places, make sure that it's not your kitchen," he said. "You have to focus on the people."

However, Coalition Avenir Quebec House Leader Francois Bonnardel criticized the bill, calling it "anti-innovation."

However, Daoust said that anyone who argued Quebecers were afraid of technology was incorrect.

"The perception that we're not confident with new technology is wrong," he said.

Daoust would like to see the bill implemented by this summer.