MONTREAL -- Published reports say ride-hailing company Uber could be about to cease operations in Quebec.

Reports in Montreal La Presse and the Journal de Montreal say the company could make an announcement as early as today because of new rules governing the service announced last Friday.

Transport Minister Laurent Lessard said he would allow Uber to continue to operate under a pilot project for another year under expanded rules that include subjecting Uber drivers to background checks performed by police and no longer by private companies.

Additionally, Lessard said all Uber drivers will be required to undergo the same number of training hours as traditional taxi drivers, which is 35 hours, instead of 20 hours.

Uber vehicles would also require an inspection every 12 months.

Uber, which had called the new rules "challenging," said they threatened the company's ability to continue offering its services to Quebecers.