Skate Canada says it will no longer host major events in Alberta following a review of the province’s legislation on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sport.
“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,” the organization said in a statement emailed to CBC News.
A spokesperson for the organization said the decision only applies to national and international-level events. Alberta skaters are not barred from participating in Skate Canada programs and competitions, they said.
“We will continue to monitor legislative developments in the province and will reassess hosting opportunities as circumstances evolve.”
The legislation, also known as Bill 29, came into effect at the end of September and excludes athletes assigned male at birth from women’s sports teams.
It’s part of a trio of bills the province introduced last year, which officials say protect the well-being of children and youth, and increase parent access to information and decision-making power over children.
Last week, the government invoked the notwithstanding clause to protect the bills from legal challenges.
More to come.
