BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges

November 7, 2012

Today the BC Government issued a press release announcing a COMMAND training course being set up in BC with a view towards the eventual certification of MMA judges under the Athletic Commissioner Act. As previously discussed, this legislation will regulate promoters, fighters and officials for professional MMA contests.  The regulations under this legislation are still being worked out but … More BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges

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

October 25, 2012

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

September 6, 2012

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

August 20, 2012

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

July 20, 2012

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

The “Intended Foul” Dilemma: Should the Unified Rules of MMA Specifically Address These?

July 10, 2012

(Update July 11, 2012 – the reports of the intended appeal have now been refuted by Chael Sonnen.  The below potential dilemma, however, still is one that can and ought to be remedied) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Yesterday Canada’s The Score reported that Chael Sonnen has “started the process to file an appeal with Keith Kizer and the … More The “Intended Foul” Dilemma: Should the Unified Rules of MMA Specifically Address These?

Canadian Boxer Significantly Compensated For Hand Injury in ICBC Claim

July 9, 2012

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

June 29, 2012

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