Bill S-209, which overhauled the Criminal Code to allow Provinces to give MMA a legal framework in Canada has now received Royal Assent. This makes the new law now in force. MP Bal Gosal issued the following comments: OTTAWA, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ – The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today issued the following statement … More Bill S-209 Receives Royal Assent; Now Officially In Force
There was much celebration in the Canadian MMA Community yesterday with the passing of Bill S-209. Now that MMA has a legal framework in Canada it is time for stakeholders to get to work with Provincial politicians. As discussed yesterday, Bill S-209 does not in and of itself make MMA legal across Canada, it allows … More Now That We’re Done Celebrating Bill S-209, Time to Get To Work
Canadians have embraced Mixed Martial Arts since the Sport’s inception. Despite this MMA has always been illegal in Canada. The long road to legalization is nearing an end with Bill S-209 now passing Third Reading in Parliament with a vote of 267-9 allowing for a legal framework for both professional and amateur MMA along with other … More And The Yeas Have It! MMA Given Legal Framework in Canada
Further to my efforts to keep track of Canada’s progress in formally legalizing MMA, Bill S-209 has now passed first reading in the House of Commons. Below is the official Hansard transcript: Mr. Massimo Pacetti (Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, Lib.) moved for leave to introduce Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (prize fights). He said: Mr. … More Canada’s MMA Law Passes First Reading in the House of Commons
A brief update for those of you who have been following my concerns regarding Bill S-209 potentially criminalizing currently lawful amateur martial arts contests. As previously reported, BC’s Minister of Sport has responded to my concerns and is aware that appropriate Provincial legislation will need to be introduced if/when Bill S-209 passes. I am pleased to report … More Minister of Justice’s Office to Review Concerns Regarding Bill S-209 and Amateur Martial Arts/MMA
I’ve recently written about the Federal Government’s effort to modernize the Criminal Code to permit MMA and other Striking Sports to become lawful. While this amendment will allow the sport to be properly regulated on a Professional level, review of the legislation appears to create a potential gap on the amateur side. The reason being … More Does Bill S-209 Criminlize Amateur MMA / Martial Arts Bouts in BC?
Despite a relatively long history of hosting professional MMA bouts, inlcuding several high profile UFC contests, professional MMA bouts presently are illegal in Canada. This is so due to the outdated language of section 83 of Canada’s Criminal Code which makes it an offence to engage in a “prize fight” except in limited circumstances. Currently Section 83 … More Canada Looking to Formally Decriminalize Mixed Martial Arts
Combat Sports Law 