Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

With findings that may catch many opponents of MMA and other striking sports off guard, the Canadian Paediatric Society recently published an article discussing injury risks of youth boxing participation. The article’s final recommendation opposing boxing for youth is not surprising given the Canadian Medical Association’s view that “all boxing be banned in Canada“.  The Canadian Paediatric Society’s opposition appears more grounded … More Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

Bill S-209, the law seeking to amend the Canadian Criminal Code to permit the legalization of MMA is now one step closer to reality.   (You can click here for background information). The Parliament of Canada’s website confirms that Bill S-209 has now passed second reading and has been referred to the Committee of the House of … More Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

Canada’s MMA Law Passes First Reading in the House of Commons

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

BC Cabinet Shuffle Results in New Minister of Sport

With the recent introduction of BC’s Athletic Commissioner Act the BC Government needs to create a Province Wide Athletic Commissioner to regulate “professional contests or exhibitions” . Yesterday the BC Government announced a cabinet shuffle appointing Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett as the Province’s new Minister of Sport.  BC’s Athletic Commission will now fall on Mr. Bennett’s watch.   I will continue … More BC Cabinet Shuffle Results in New Minister of Sport

Minister of Justice’s Office to Review Concerns Regarding Bill S-209 and Amateur Martial Arts/MMA

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

Provinces Must Make Sure Your Karate Kid Does Not Become a Criminal Under Bill S-209

I previously discussed that the Federal Government’s attempt to legalize MMA Bouts will create a gap on the Provincial side potentially criminalizing amateur contests.  I am pleased to report that after bringing this issue to the BC Government’s attention, BC’s Minister of Sport has responded advising the Government is aware of this and that a … More Provinces Must Make Sure Your Karate Kid Does Not Become a Criminal Under Bill S-209

Canadian Boxer Significantly Compensated For Hand Injury in ICBC Claim

Although a little off topic for this blog, I thought this would be of interest to my readers. Recently a Vancouver jury awarded a professional boxer just over $1 million for a hand injury caused in a car crash which impeded his professional career.  You can click here to read the details on my BC … More Canadian Boxer Significantly Compensated For Hand Injury in ICBC Claim

Canadian Bill S-209 Moving Closer to Becoming Law

I have been tracking the progress of Senate bill S-209 which will formally legalize regulated MMA in Canada.  It has now passed the Committee Stage and passed Third Reading on June 22, 2012 making the Bill very close to becoming law. The Bill has remained intact in its initial form with only one minor variation changing … More Canadian Bill S-209 Moving Closer to Becoming Law