The provincial government approved regulations yesterday that will allow ridesharing companies into the province.

They could begin operating in Saskatchewan as soon as December 14, but first municipalities will have to set their own regulations and the companies have to abide by them.

Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave said he's disappointed they couldn't have approved this two or three months ago.

"I just didn't want to rush it," he said. "We wanted to make sure that those consultations and we took everybody's thoughts and processes into consideration in doing it and I think they're all grateful for that. Not everybody might be happy with exactly how it worked out, but I think they were very pleased we were listening to them right until the end."

Hargrave noted the province has been contacted by Uber, Lift, and a number of ridesharing companies that are interested in operating in the province.

"Both those companies have indicated that they very much want to come into Saskatchewan," he said. "They're going to wait and see where the cities land with their regulations, but we're very confident that a ridesharing company will be operating in Saskatchewan."

Regina and Saskatoon would be the biggest targets for ridesharing companies to move into, but Hargrave, the MLA for the riding of Prince Albert Carlton, thinks there are more destinations than just the two biggest cities in the province.

"I know they're looking forward to somebody coming and trying to set up in Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw," he said. "I would like to see it in a number of jurisdictions, of course, we can't force people to go there but I think we will eventually see it a lot of those other centres."

Annual criminal record checks and vehicles inspections will be required for ridesharing drivers.

Rideshare companies will also be required to hold at least $1 million liability coverage for all drivers and vehicles.