Skate Canada Cancels Events in Alberta Due to New Sports 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 from participating in female-only sports. This decision follows the implementation of the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, which took effect on September 1, 2023. The law prohibits transgender individuals aged 12 and older from competing in female amateur sports within the province.

The organization released a statement on Tuesday detailing its assessment of the law. “Skate Canada considers a variety of criteria when selecting host locations for its national events,” the statement explained. “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 decision specifically impacts national and international events, but it does not restrict Alberta athletes from participating in Skate Canada programs and competitions. Currently, there are no upcoming national or international events planned in Alberta. The 2025-26 Skate Canada Challenge was recently held in Calgary from November 27-30, 2025, and the city also hosted the national championships in 2024.

The Fairness and Safety in Sport Act is one of three controversial laws affecting transgender rights in Alberta, introduced by the government led by Premier Danielle Smith. These laws have generated significant debate across the province and the country. Earlier this month, Smith’s government invoked the Charter’s notwithstanding clause, which can protect legislation from judicial review, to shield these laws from potential court challenges for five years.

Supporters of the law, including Premier Smith, argue that it is intended to ensure fairness in sports, preventing biological advantages from impacting competitions between female athletes. Opponents contend that the legislation serves to marginalize and discriminate against the transgender community.

Notably, the Alberta government has provided a provision allowing out-of-province transgender competitors to participate in female sports, stating that it does not have the authority to regulate athletes from other jurisdictions. This means that athletes bound by out-of-province or international guidelines may still compete.

Skate Canada has stated its commitment to monitoring future legislative developments in Alberta. The organization will reassess its hosting opportunities as the situation evolves, ensuring that its events align with its principles of safe and inclusive sport for all participants.

This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on December 16, 2025.