Canada's national figure skating governing body has made a decisive move, announcing it will no longer hold its premier competitions in Alberta. This significant step is a direct response to the province's recently enacted legislation concerning gender participation in sports.
The Decision and Its Rationale
In a formal statement provided to Postmedia, Skate Canada outlined its position. The organization stated that after a thorough review of Alberta's Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, it concluded it could not host events in the province while upholding its own national standards for safety and inclusion.
"Skate Canada considers a variety of criteria when selecting host locations for its national events," the statement read. "Following a careful assessment... we have determined that we are unable to host events in the province while maintaining our national standards for safe and inclusive sport."
The organization was quick to clarify that this decision applies specifically to national and international-level events. It does not prevent Alberta-based skaters from participating in Skate Canada's broader programming and competitions. The body also indicated it would continue to watch for legislative changes in Alberta and reconsider its stance if the situation evolves.
Understanding Alberta's Controversial Law
The core of the conflict lies in the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, which came into force on September 1, 2025. According to the provincial government's website, the law mandates that organizations under its scope create athlete eligibility policies that align with specific regulations.
A key provision requires that eligibility for female-only divisions be limited to "biologically female athletes." For school sports, the law requires all girls aged 12 and up participating in all-female leagues to provide declarations confirming they are biological females. For athletes who are minors, a parent or guardian must sign the form.
The United Conservative Party (UCP) government promotes the act as a measure to ensure a level and safe playing field by maintaining "biological female-only" divisions. The province says it consulted with a wide range of groups, including sport organizations, schools, coaches, parents, athletes, and members of the transgender community, to develop this approach.
Immediate Context and Future Implications
This decision comes shortly after Skate Canada held a major event in the province. The Skate Canada Challenge took place in Calgary in late November 2025, just months before this announcement.
The move by Skate Canada represents one of the most prominent sporting rebukes of the Alberta law to date. It places the national sports organization in direct opposition to the provincial government's policy, prioritizing its commitment to inclusive sport standards over hosting events in a major Canadian province.
The long-term impact on Alberta's sports tourism and its standing within national sporting bodies remains to be seen. Other organizations may now face increased pressure to evaluate their own event hosting policies in light of the provincial legislation.
