Major national sporting events in hockey and curling will continue as planned in Alberta, even as the national governing body for skating has hit pause on its activities in the province. The decision by Skate Canada to suspend events comes in response to Alberta's recent legislation concerning gender identity and participation in sports.
Skate Canada's Pause and the Alberta Context
On December 17, 2025, Skate Canada announced it would temporarily halt all its sanctioned events and activities within Alberta. This move is a direct reaction to the provincial government's new law, which mandates that sports organizations receiving public funding must establish separate categories for biological males and females in athletic competitions.
The organization stated that this policy conflicts with its core values of inclusion and its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, including transgender and non-binary athletes. The pause is effective immediately and will remain until further review.
Hockey and Curling Bodies Chart a Different Course
In contrast to Skate Canada's stance, the national governing bodies for hockey and curling have confirmed their upcoming championships in Alberta will proceed without interruption. Both organizations have issued statements emphasizing their commitment to working within the existing provincial framework while also upholding their own principles of fair play and safety.
This means that major tournaments, including national championships at various age and skill levels, are still slated to be held in cities like Edmonton and Calgary over the coming months. Officials from these sports indicate they are in ongoing discussions with both provincial and federal stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape.
Implications for Athletes and the Sports Community
The divergent paths taken by these national sports organizations create a patchwork scenario for athletes, coaches, and fans in Alberta. Figure skaters now face uncertainty and potential disruption to their competitive seasons, with some possibly needing to travel out of province to participate in qualifying events.
For hockey and curling participants, the continuation of events provides stability but also places them at the centre of a heated national debate. The situation underscores the growing tension between provincial jurisdiction over sports regulation and the policies of national bodies that operate across the country.
The coming weeks will be critical as other sports organizations weigh their options. The outcome could influence where future national and international events are awarded within Canada, with significant economic implications for host cities.
