Several Canadian sports organizations have announced their decision not to follow Skate Canada’s lead in boycotting national and international events in Alberta due to the implementation of a law prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in women’s sports.
Hockey Canada, Speed Skating Canada, Curling Canada, Boxing Canada, and Table Tennis Canada have all confirmed that they will continue to host events in the province. Jeremy Knight, a representative from Hockey Canada, stated that there are no immediate plans to adjust their event schedule in response to the situation.
Skate Canada recently declared that they will no longer host major events in Alberta following a thorough review of the province’s Alberta’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act. However, other organizations like Curling Canada have expressed that they will not be altering their plans to hold events in Alberta, emphasizing the significant financial implications such a decision could have on the local sports community.
The Alberta legislation permits only athletes assigned female at birth to compete in women’s sports and is part of a set of transgender laws that the government recently enforced using the notwithstanding clause to prevent legal challenges.
In a statement to CBC News, Skate Canada mentioned that their inability to align with the national standards for safe and inclusive sport under the Alberta law led to their decision to withdraw events from the province.
While Skate Canada has taken a stand, other Canadian sports bodies have not followed suit. Speed Skating Canada’s CEO, Joe Morissette, highlighted the organization’s commitment to inclusivity but also noted the logistical challenges given their training center in Calgary and existing event commitments.
Boxing Canada’s executive director, Christopher Lindsay, affirmed that the organization intends to continue hosting competitions in Alberta, emphasizing their support for each national sport organization to manage their sport independently.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticized Skate Canada’s move, labeling it as disgraceful and calling for an apology. She referenced the International Olympic Committee’s ongoing review of female sports definitions to illustrate a broader trend in the sporting world.
Wrestling Canada Lutte, the governing body for Olympic-style wrestling, is still evaluating the Alberta law to determine any potential adjustments to its event hosting policies.