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Why Bill S-268 Could Bring Real Changes for Indigenous Peoples and Gaming in Canada
The latest installment in the story of legal gaming and betting in Canada happened on June 20, 2023, when Bill S-268 had its first reading. If the Bill passes, it will bring big changes for Indigenous peoples in the country and their involvement in the Canadian legal gaming landscape.
This happening follows other major changes to iGaming and sports betting in Canada. In April 2022, Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch a regulated iGaming market. This launch followed the legalization of single-event sports betting the previous year. Now, players can enjoy games and sports betting at Ontario online casinos that are registered and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or (AGCO). These big changes in Ontario are now being followed by Bill S-268.
What is Bill S-268?
The Bill was put forward by Senator Scott Tannas and intends to amend the Criminal Code of Canada in terms of the legality of lottery schemes in the country. If the Bill progresses, the First Nation will be permitted to license and manage lottery schemes on its reserve. They will have sole responsibility for operating such lotteries as long as they notify the Canadian Government and the provincial government of the intention to do so. In addition, the content of the Bill refers to amending the Indian Act to allow the council of the band authority to create bylaws concerning the operation and management of proposed lotteries.
How the Bill will change iGaming in Canada
The current laws concerning iGaming in Canada state that it’s illegal in the country. However, Section 207 of the Criminal Code of Canada allows provincial governments to conduct and manage iGaming within their own province. This ruling means that any lottery schemes in the country must be operated by a provincial government.
If Bill S-268 passes, it will change the status quo by removing the effective monopoly that provincial governments have on the conducting and management of lotteries. The preamble for the Bill refers to the changes being part of the recognition of the Inherent and Treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples. This means that the Bill is not about bringing new rights for Indigenous Peoples but seeks to confirm the rights they already have.
The future of iGaming in Canada will be significantly changed by Bill S-268 if it passes. It will help to further the reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. Plus, it will enable Indigenous Peoples to have full control of their own lotteries. This means they will make more money from operating lotteries which will bring financial benefits to them and further the recognition of their rights.
It remains to be seen whether the Bill will pass, but there is support for it, especially within Indigenous communities. There is also a certain amount of resistance from provincial governments that are wary of their dominance in iGaming being diluted. Now that the first reading of the Bill is complete, there will be much interest concerning its progression.
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Top 5 Canadian Cities with Entertaining Nightlife
Canada is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and vibrant culture. However, many people are unaware of the country’s thriving nightlife scene, from interesting clubs to cultural venues to gambling havens.
Whether you enjoy concerts, night shows, dance floors, entertainment parks, or brick-and-mortar casinos, Canada offers a diverse range of options to cater to your needs. These are the top seven fun destinations, highlighting the best nightlife experiences Canada has to offer.
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is home to one of Canada’s most exciting entertainment hubs. Placed between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, near the border of Canada and the US, this town offers dozens of venues where people can spend a cozy evening or go for some energizing partying.
Want to hear some live country music? There’s the Big Texas venue. Fond of Italian culture and music? Club Italia hosts frequent concerts and other events.
At the Copacabana venue, you can enjoy listening to Latin rhythms and sounds. Thanks to the melting-pot community, the multicultural atmosphere prevails in Niagara Falls.
For a longer night out, Jacks Cantina and 365 Club are pleasant places. Dance, chat your night away, or just spend some cozy time with your friends
If you want to try your luck there’s the Fallsview Casino Resort, the city’s gaming flagship.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Granville Entertainment District – remember this toponym if you want to spend a wonderful night out in Vancouver. Situated in the middle of downtown Vancouver, it’s populated with nightclubs, bars, international restaurants, and live gigs from almost all parts of the world.
The Commodore Ballroom and The Roxy are two notable venues for those who like disco and pop music dance floors, while Steamworks is a nice place to start your night by trying dozens of beer flavors (but not on the same occasion, as this might be the first and last place you’ll visit that night).
Also, Vancouver is an important comedy center, with several venues that host stand-up comedy, and other comedy genres (The Improv Center and The Comedy Department, to name a few).
A night out without tossing a dice or playing a game of cards is incomplete for many. Hence, think about visiting Parq Vancouver Casino – the successor of the once-popular casino destination Edgewater Casino. As an alternative, think about online gambling platforms. While British Columbia only has one state-run option for players, many players opt for offshore instant withdrawal casino platforms. These casino sites allow players to enjoy high betting limits, instant withdrawals, and wager-free cashback deals (source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/canada). The shift towards online gambling is a growing trend in Canada, with Canadians spending $1.4 billion wagering at offshore casinos due to the convenience and variety of games.
3. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is perhaps the most alluring town in terms of nightlife in Canada. For starters, it hosts one of the largest carnivals in North America, The Montreal World Carnival. If you’re, by any chance, planning to visit Montreal this November, make in the period 19-21 November, as this is when this year’s carnival is going to take place. Compared to those in Rio and Venice, it displays the wealth of ethnic groups and customs from different regions of the world.
While already there, don’t miss the New City Gas – a unique industrial-like place with various fun areas for different tastes. The Club Unity is another venue that deserves your attention, together with dozens of classy restaurants. Remember that Montreal is in Quebec, which is highly influenced by French heritage, both in terms of customs and cuisine. In combination with a rich immigrant melting pot, this city is a unique experience for people living in Canada and foreign visiteurs.
4. Calgary, Alberta
Alberta doesn’t sound like the most partying region in the world, and this isn’t a wrong assumption. Better known as the host of the 1988 Winter Olympics than for crazy parties, its biggest town Calgary still has something to offer to its visitors.
For starters, it’s the annual Calgary Stampede – a unique event that exercises country-music concerts, numerous rodeo events, and plenty of accompanying acts all day long, with numerous events that unfold deep in the night. The next event will be held in the period 4-13 July 2025. Shania Twain has already confirmed her concert within the festival, with many other country stars expected to book their concerts.
If you want to move away from country music and visit something different, The Commonwealth Bar is the best place for house and techno lovers, while The Twisted Element is the most inclusive club in Calgary. And if you want to feel some heat on cold Calgary nights, the Pepi’s Club offers a mix of Latin rhythms and drinks.
5. Ottawa, Ontario
As Canada’s capital and a major tourist destination, Ottawa has its gems for entertainment and interesting nights out.
For beer lovers, there’s Beyond The Pale bar on the premises of the eponymous brewing company. From craft beers to classic mass-produced counterparts, there’s a wide range of options for every kind of taste buds.
As you warm up here, you might want to hit one of the jazz lounge clubs, such as The Earl of Sussex or the Options Jazz Lounge. You can even have a nice meal while listening to jazz standards and the sounds of modern jazz.
To dance the night away, go to Babylon or The Mercury Lounge. Disco, house, power pop, you’ll find different types of music fun at these places.
If you happen to come to Ottawa in September, don’t miss the Latin Sparks Festival, where you can have loads of fun and dance long into the night.
Conclusion
This is the end of our tour of the most appealing nightlife town in Canada. Let’s mention the elephant in the room, as well: we didn’t cover Toronto because it’s a safe bet for exciting nightlife, and most guides have already dived deep into the festivals, venues, and other places that make the capital of Ontario unique.
As you’ve seen, Canada’s towns offer a diverse range of nightlife experiences across major cities. From Niagara Falls to Vancouver, each location provides a unique combination of fun options, highlighting the country’s local cultures and attractions.
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Why Flying Private From Calgary Is Better Than Commercial
This is a guide to flying privately from Calgary, offering everything from cost-saving tips to the perks that you can expect.
Flying privately has always been considered a privilege of the ultra-rich. Until now. While it’s not cheap, it’s much more affordable than it has been before, thanks to a wide range of options arriving on the market and soaring airfares in the commercial sector.
With a host of private jet services on offer at YYC Calgary International Airport, flying in style and comfort has never been more accessible — now, there are fixed-based operators, empty-leg flights, and a host of charter services you can choose from. Whether you’re hopping over to Vancouver for the weekend or flying halfway around the world, there’s a private service for you at YYC Calgary International Airport.
Let’s get into all the reasons why flying private from Calgary is better than commercial travel.
Calgary International Airport Can Get Too Busy
We’re talking about Canada’s fourth-largest airport here, which processed some 18.5 million passengers in 2023 alone. If you’re travelling during the holiday season, then you can expect long queues at the check-in desk, more queues at the security checks, and longer waiting times at the gate. This can be pretty frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re travelling with children or in large groups.
Flying in an aircraft charter from Calgary removes all of these concerns. Arrive at the airport within thirty minutes of departure, be whisked off to the private lounge at your chosen fixed-base operator, enjoy your seamless private check-in, and board your jet. It takes all the stress out of flying while elevating the most luxurious and exciting components.
As soon as your vacation or business trip is over, all you want to do is get home and relax. Flying privately all but guarantees that you arrive on time and enjoy a hassle-free experience as soon as you land. Say goodbye to tiring customs checks or the risk of lost baggage and long delays for connecting flights.
Flying Privately Is Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think
Flying privately has always been seen as the ultimate flex for the ultra-wealthy — and let’s be honest, private jet ownership still is. But swapping narrow seats and crying kids for serenity at 45,000 ft is more accessible than it used to be. Thanks to some clever cost-saving innovations and rising commercial airfares, private jet travel is starting to look like a surprisingly affordable option for more people.
If you bought your own jet, you’re talking about a minimum purchase price of a few million plus nearly half a million in annual running costs. This puts ownership out of reach for most people, but there are other options. With empty-leg flights (where jets are repositioning and would otherwise fly empty), you can snag luxury flights for prices that won’t break the bank. Think hundreds instead of thousands — assuming you’re a little flexible with your schedule.
For frequent fliers, membership programs or fractional jet ownership are absolute game changers. For a flat fee, you can access planes when you need them, minus the hassle of maintenance or storage costs.
And let’s not forget charter services. Whether it’s a quick hop to a neighbouring city or a transcontinental trip, renting a jet can be cost-effective if you’re travelling with a group — remember, you’re paying for the plane, not the seat. A light jet might set you back $1,300 per hour, but divide that by a group of four travellers for a 6-hour flight, and you’re suddenly rethinking that commercial first-class ticket.
Luxury That Fits Your Schedule
YYC Calgary International Airport has 71 gates and averages almost 200 departures every day. With so much activity, cancellations and long delays are not uncommon. These can occur due to anything from maintenance issues to crew shortages. This year alone, WestJet, which operates out of Calgary, has been plagued with strikes and supply chain issues. Air Canada and WestJet also performed poorly in a list of North American airlines ranked by on-time departures.
Why risk the doom and gloom of commercial air travel at YCC Calgary when you can just fly privately? Fly on your own schedule, guarantee swift take-offs, and arrive at your destination on time. This is even more pertinent for business travellers who can’t risk being late when important meetings and deadlines are at stake. It doesn’t just have to be for work — there are times that require quick actions and getting to places faster to be with family and friends for crucial moments, and flying privately can save you from both the bureaucracy and the wait times.
Fly Private, Fly Better
Flying private from Calgary is less about getting from A to B and more about air travel on your terms. Everything that you’ve ever hated about flying can disappear with the click of your fingers and a call to your jet broker. No matter the occasion — business trips, weekend getaways, intergenerational family vacations — private travel prioritizes the journey’s aesthetics and practicality as much as the destination.
Once you’ve skipped the lines, breezed through customs, and sipped a coffee in your own space at 30,000 feet, you’ll never look at commercial travel the same way again. Go on, make the switch with confidence.
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