Glen McGregor of the CanWest News Service writes that an Ottawa Citizen analysis of communications reports filed by lobbyists in Canada shows that groups working on behalf of Zuffa have been quite successful in reaching Canadian government officials.
An Ottawa Citizen analysis of communications reports filed by registered lobbyists shows that, on average, about seven times every working day in 2009, a lobbyist spoke on the phone to a Conservative cabinet minister or met one in person.
Fight fans hoping that the federal government will clarify prizefighting laws to allow MMA across the county may be interested to learn that Heritage Minister James Moore met with lobbysist on behalf of the UFC. The Minister duly showed up a Vancouver City Council meeting to make it clear in the most vigourous terms that the federal government wants MMA in Vancouver.
Council duly voted to sanction the sport.
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The reporting requirement came into effect in the summer of 2008, so 2009 is the first full year for which data is available.
The records show the Capital Hill Group, an Ottawa “government relations” company with former Brian Mulroney staffer David Angus on its letterhead, was the most successful lobbying firm at arranging contacts with cabinet ministers on behalf of its clients.
The firm also scored ministerial time with Heritage Minister James Moore on behalf UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship, regarding “justice and law enforcement,” according to the communication report.
Payout Perspective:
The government in Canada combines elements of the American and British systems to form its own unique system. The Prime Minister selects a series of cabinet ministers at the beginning of his/her election term whom are assigned to direct various aspects of the country’s affairs – finance, transportation, health, etc. Thus, these individuals can be closely equated to Secretaries in the US.
The Heritage Minister is a position of lesser prestige in comparison to defense or finance, but the fact that Capital Hill has managed to get face time with him is still a very good sign (not only that but he also made an appearance in Vancouver to speak in favor of MMA).
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In order for MMA to be legalized across all of Canada, a bill would have to be introduced in the House of Commons (consisting of local elected officials from across the country called members of parliament) by a sponsor MP. After a series of readings and debates it would be put up for vote. If the bill passes the House, it then moves onto the Senate (consisting of officials essentially appointed by various Prime Ministers over the years) and goes through the same series of readings and debates. Then, if the bill passes the Senate, it moves on for Royal Assent which is essentially just a formality equivalent to a governor signing off on a bill in one of the States.
The time frame is currently up in the air, because there could be some complications related to amending the criminal code. However, the feeling right now is that 2010 will be the year to get an MMA bill passed through parliament.
Very good news for ufc mma and fight fans the to ufc shows iv watched that where in cananada where good sept for that anderson silva thiago fight gsp vs matt serra fight was pimp tyte
For once I’m happy about something that a lobbyist is doing. Kinda shows how quick money can get things done sometimes.
MMA will not be legalized nationwide unless the criminal code is amended. The policy and legislative process to legalize MMA will take ~4 months.
Currently the Canadian government is prorogued. When the government returns in March it is extremely likely that there will be a non-confidence vote (Liberals have made strides in polls since prorogation) that will spark an election.
The non-confidence process will likely take a month.
The campaign and election process will probably be 1-2 months.
The new government will likely sit for 1 month and then adjourn for summer recess.
The legalization of MMA is unlikely to be a priority for a newly elected government/MP for the first major legislative session. But if it was, and if it made through both houses with minimal friction, it would only come into effect towards the end of 2010.
Based upon the above timeline the earliest an event would be held in Ontario is Q1 2011.
* the above is all speculation
* the above assumes the Ontario Athletic Commission doesn’t change it’s stance on Section 83
* I am Canadian, live in Ontario, and will attend the UFCs first card in TO!
We have been reading about MMA successes in Vancouver and in general in the gov’t in Ottawa. What I’ve not seen in the past many months is anything from Ken Hayashi, the MMA naysayer. I know the MacNamara twins of Twin Dragon have filed a $100M lawsuit against Ken. No idea how that is going. Has Ken had anything more to say about the UFC’s efforts with lobbyists etc.? Any info on Ken?
The people I’ve talked to say that Ken is actually a pretty good guy – he’s not a jerk or anything. But, to be honest, I haven’t read anything or heard anything from him in a while. I’m sure he’ll be invited to UFC 113 in Montreal – as will many of the Canadian officials – to try and jump start the discussion again.
Pam: nice to have a fellow Canuck commenting. Welcome!