Mark;

While I can't answer your question specifically, being a Canadian lawyer, I can tell you that personally avoid all of the local tournaments held in town which are not run by registered charities and are taking some sort of a fee (even if it is just to cover expenses).

Any sniff of a Rake and I can't put myself in a situation (professionally) of having a game busted by the local police. This is based on my reading of the Canadian Criminal Code, which has the benefit of being in place for about the last 50 years (in its current iteration on gambling and gaming houses) (and yes there is a section on "Bawdy Houses").

I'm a lawyer and I can't tell you whether or not these games are legal. I doubt anyone could with any degree of precisions, especially since the "new" law isn't even in force yet. Unfortunately, only time will tell.

I do, however, lament the erosion of civil liberties in a neighbour country which has epitomized the principles of individuality. It may not necessarily be apparent to everyone down there, but watching from the outside, you guys are not as "free" as you once were (for good or bad_.