The long-awaited discussion of single-sports betting in Canada will reach the House of Commons.
According to a tweet by Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk, Bill C-218, which would allow single-sports betting in Canadian casinos, will be tabled in the House this week. The bill passed second reading three weeks ago.
https://twitter.com/Irek_K/status/1331453691258351618
This is the latest attempt to get a single-sports betting bill through Parliament, as several previous tries failed. Kusmierczyk's NDP colleague, Windsor West's Brian Masse, had been trying to steer such legislation through the House for several years.
Bill C-218 has generated support from the Liberals, Conservatives, and the NDP. Kevin Waugh, the Conservative MP from Saskatoon-Grasswood, is a sponsor.
The drive to bring the pastime to Windsor-Essex came to the forefront two weeks ago, when Kusmierczyk participated in a private Zoom call involving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and local labour leaders. Among those on the call was Unifor Local 444 President Dave Cassidy, whose local represents workers at Caesars Windsor.
The casino is currently operating on a limited invitation-only basis due to COVID-19 control restrictions. Proponents of the betting bill say it will help add at least a hundred casino jobs.
After the debate in the House of Commons, the bill will then head to the committee level, most likely in the new year. Once it passes committee level, the bill will return to the House for a final vote, then move to the Senate.