FIGURE SKATING: Skate Canada halts major events in Alberta over transgender law

Skate Canada has announced that it will no longer host major events in Alberta following a review of the province’s legislation governing the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

The national governing body said the decision comes after assessing Alberta’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, which took effect in September and bars athletes assigned male at birth from competing in women’s sports.

In a statement released Tuesday, Skate Canada said it considers several factors when selecting host locations for national events. While the organization allows athletes to compete in the gender category with which they identify in domestic competitions, it said the Alberta legislation conflicts with its national standards.

“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 statement said.

Skate Canada clarified that the decision applies only to national and international competitions. It does not affect the ability of Alberta-based skaters to take part in Skate Canada programs or competitions.

The organization added that it will continue to monitor legislative developments in the province and reassess hosting opportunities should circumstances change.

There are currently no national or international events scheduled to take place in Alberta. The province last hosted the Skate Canada Challenge in November and the national championships in January 2024. -Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters