Legal Research

Olympic Law

By Mark Lewis

As today is the opening of Vancouver Olympic Games, I thought we could celebrate in the Slaw way, which is by looking at the legal aspects of the event. In looking at the Olympics there has been no small amount of legislative activity both Federally and in B.C. regarding the games. I’m not going to get into the court activity in this post.

Federal

The IOC is always extremely vigilant in protecting their trademarks and in Canada an act has been passed to guarantee that:
The Olympic and Paralympic Marks Act, S.C. 2007, c.25

There is the small matter of the handguns and biathlon rifles used in the games and the Criminal Code which needed to be addressed in the:
Regulations Prescribing Exclusions from Certain Definitions of the Criminal Code (International Sporting Competition Handguns), SOR/98-465

There is the matter of several thousand foreign nationals entering the country and it’s impact on the Immigration Act, addressed by:
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, SOR/2002-227, s.193.1

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Remission Order, SOR/2008-306 addresses the issue of customs tariffs on all the products being brought into Canada.

There is the matter of financial gains that non-resident athletes might gain at the Olympics and Income Tax implications:
Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985.

In British Columbia, the legislature has also been busy addressing Olympic related legislation,

The Reservists’ Leave Regulation, B.C. Reg. 207/2009 addresses military reservists on duty for the games.

What would an Olympics be without a license plate for your car?
Motor Vehicle Fees Regulation, B.C. Reg. 334/91

and if you are going to have a party, then Liqour Licenses must be addressed:
Liquor Control and Licensing Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 267.

Enjoy the opening ceremonies and GO CANADA!

Full post as published by Slaw.ca on February 12, 2010 (boomark / email).