The Prince Edward Island government has unanimously passed the Combative Sport Commissioner Act, putting it one step closer to allowing sanctioned boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events in the province. The province held a public consultation period on the proposed act late last year, receiving 50 submissions. P.E.I. is currently the only Maritime province without a combat sport commission. In 2013, the federal government updated the criminal code to include MMA under the banner of “prize fights.” “Combative sport events already take place in Prince Edward Island, but without a modern regulatory framework,” said Ernie Hudson, minister of fisheries, rural development and tourism, in a news release. “This legislation creates a safe, transparent system that protects athletes, provides clarity to organizers, and supports sport, tourism, and local economic activity.” The province says the new act will: “The opportunity to host mixed martial arts events in Prince Edward Island would be transformative—creating economic and tourism benefits, supporting local businesses, and allowing us to highlight Island talent and inspire young athletes,” said P.E.I. MMA athlete Cam Nelson. The province says it will now develop the required regulations, which it hopes to have in force by fall 2027. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
