Skate Canada Cancels Alberta Events Over New Transgender Law

Skate Canada announced it will not host any national or international-level events in Alberta due to a provincial law that restricts transgender athletes’ participation in female-only sports. This decision, communicated in a statement on December 16, 2025, follows an assessment of Alberta’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, which came into effect on September 1, 2025. The law prohibits transgender athletes aged 12 and older from competing in female amateur sports.

The organization stated, “Skate Canada considers a variety of criteria when selecting host locations for its national events. Following a careful assessment of Alberta’s 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 cancellation specifically affects national and international events, but does not impact Alberta athletes’ ability to participate in Skate Canada programming and competitions. Currently, there are no national or international events planned in Alberta. The 2025-26 Skate Canada Challenge was previously held in Calgary from November 27-30, and the city also hosted the 2024 National Championships.

The Fairness and Safety in Sport Act is one of three laws introduced by the government of Premier Danielle Smith that affect transgender health, education, and sports. These laws have ignited significant debate across the province. Earlier this month, Smith’s government invoked the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to protect the legislation from court challenges for five years.

Supporters of the law, including Smith, argue that it is essential for ensuring fairness in sports, asserting that it prevents biological advantages for girls competing against transgender athletes. Conversely, critics contend that the law stigmatizes and punishes members of the transgender community.

The Alberta government has indicated that the ban does not apply to out-of-province transgender competitors, stating that it lacks the authority to regulate athletes from different jurisdictions. This means that sporting organizations from outside Alberta must adhere to their respective provincial or international guidelines.

Skate Canada has indicated its commitment to monitoring legislative developments in Alberta and will reassess future hosting opportunities as the situation evolves. The organization’s proactive stance reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding inclusion and fairness in sports, highlighting the complexities of balancing competitive integrity with the rights of all athletes.