The Province of British Columbia recently passed Bill 50 which would establish a provincial athletic commissioner that would presumably make it easier for the sport of MMA to return to the province.
Vancouver Attorney Jonathan Tweedale spoke to Showdown Joe Ferraro on Sportsnet 590 The Fan about Bill 50. More info on the interview here via Sportsnet.
The bill was proposed by the Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development in the province, Ida Chong. She will consult with the local commissions as well as some in the U.S. to come up with a set of MMA rules for the province.
“…[I]t’s not yet law but becomes law by regulation,” said Tweedale. In its current form, the bill is general but drafting specifics which include requirements of promoters and further rules should occur this summer. Drafters would consult with the 9 local athletic commissions before the act becomes law. The target date is sometime in the fall for Bill 50 to become law.
Payout Perspective:
The bill should streamline MMA regulation in the province which should appease the UFC and other promotions such as Bellator and the MFC. Tweedale points out the one negative for MMA fans is that cities will have the right to veto whether MMA occurs in its city. Still, once Bill 50 becomes law, it should help smaller promotions with putting on shows in the province. It also should attract the UFC back to Vancouver. As you may recall, there were issues with the city of Vancouver for UFC 115 and UFC 131. Bill 50 should address these concerns. Overall, a positive move for MMA in the province.
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