The Senate of Canada recently passed Bill S-209, an act to amend the section of the Criminal Code regarding prize fights and the Ultimate Fighting Championship is grateful.
“The UFC thanks Senator Bob Runciman for introducing Bill S-209 and the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for their work on this bill,” said UFC director of Canadian Operations Tom Wright in a press release. “We are now one step closer to providing a consistent legislative framework for Canada and its provinces.”
The proposed bill is an amendment to Section 83(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada, regulating prize fighting. The suggested amendment would clarify the propriety of promoting mixed martial events throughout Canada. The bill must now pass through the House of Commons in the Fall before it can come into force.
MMA legislation is continuing to make strides in Canada.
Wright along with Canadian UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald appeared in front of the Senate constitutional affairs committee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in May to discuss MMA.
British Columbia recently passed Bill 50 — proposed legislation to establish a provincial athletic commissioner — that would make it easier for the UFC and other MMA organizations return to the province.
