Skate Canada ditching Alberta due to province's new transgender laws
Don’t expect any major Skate Canada events to be hosted in Alberta in the foreseeable future.
The nation’s governing body on figure skating has announced that it will no longer host national and international events in the province. In a statement shared with Daily Hive, Skate Canada cited the province’s new transgender laws as one of the reasons for the decision.
“Skate Canada considers a variety of criteria when selecting host locations for its national events,” the statement read. “Following a careful assessment of Albertaās Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, Skate Canada has determined that we are unable to host events in the province while maintaining our national standards for safe and inclusive sport.”
This legislation, also known as Bill 29 or the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, was passed late last year and came into effect this past September. The bill attempts to exclude athletes assigned male at birth from participating in women’s sports in Alberta, directly affecting transgender women across the province.
The bill was a part of three separate laws that were aimed at transgender individuals in the province. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government invoked the Notwithstanding Clause earlier this month to shield the bills from legal battles for the next five years.
Skate Canada’s website contains a separate statement on the organization’s commitment to equality, diversity, and accessibility.
“We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, religion, class, size, ability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexuality. We are committed to providing strong and positive leadership that models fair and respectful behaviour.”
The decision to ditch Alberta for future international and national events comes as the province recently hosted the 2025-26 Skate Canada in Calgary last month. There are currently no events scheduled to be held in the province.
Despite the recent news, Alberta athletes are still allowed to compete in Skate Canada events. The governing body said that they will “continue to monitor legislative developments in the province and will reassess hosting opportunities as circumstances evolve.”