Manitoba to update laws to bring in MMA
However, the federal Criminal Code in Canada has changed to recognize mixed martial arts, and the province of Manitoba is changing accordingly.
Currently all professional combative sports in Manitoba are defined in law as a form of boxing. However, the federal Criminal Code in Canada has changed to recognize mixed martial arts, and the province is changing accordingly.
The provincial government of Manitoba plans to modernize the law regulating boxing to encompass mixed martial arts. The Manitoba Boxing Act would be renamed The Combative Sports Ac. The name of the of the body responsible for regulating the sport would be changed to the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission.
“These changes would support Manitoba’s efforts to tap into the ever-growing popularity of these sports and bring more professional events to the province,” said Tourism Minister Ron Lemieux after introducing Bill 23 in the Manitoba legislature on Tuesday.
“These changes would not only support the government’s approach to becoming a sports tourism destination, but would also be consistent with similar legislation elsewhere in Canada.”
Lemieux said the updated legislation is one in a series of initiatives being unveiled by the Manitoba government as part of the Year of Sport.