Province moves forward on combative sport legislation
Prince Edward Island is one step closer to modernizing the regulation of combative sport competitions with the Combative Sport Commissioner Act passing unanimously in the Legislative Assembly today.
The proposed legislation would legalize and regulate professional combative sport events and modernize the oversight and regulation of amateur combative sport events in PEI, including boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. The Act establishes a Combative Sport Commissioner responsible for oversight, athlete safety, and event integrity.
“Combative sport events already take place in Prince Edward Island, but without a modern regulatory framework. This legislation creates a safe, transparent system that protects athletes, provides clarity to organizers, and supports sport, tourism, and local economic activity. Well‑regulated events across Canada attract athletes, officials, and spectators, and with proper safeguards in place, this bill positions PEI to host events that grow the sport while maintaining public safety and public confidence.”
- Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Ernie Hudson.
The Combative Sport Commissioner Act will:
- establish clear rules for sanctioning events
- set safety standards for athletes, officials, and promoters
- ensure proper medical, officiating, and insurance requirements
- create oversight that aligns PEI with other provinces and jurisdictions.
“Throughout my career, and for many other Island athletes, competing in mixed martial arts has required travelling out of province, even as Prince Edward Island continues to produce athletes gaining national and international recognition. Despite this progress, we remain unable to showcase our abilities at home in front of our families, supporters, and the wider Island community,” said Island mixed martial artists, Cam Nelson. “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.
Now that the Act has received final approval in the Legislative Assembly, the province will develop the required regulations. The goal is to have the Act and Regulations in force by fall 2027.
Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca