National hockey, curling events to continue in Alberta after Skate Canada pause due to gender law

Skate Canada is pulling out of Alberta, but other major organizations say they'll continue to hold events in the province. Jeremy Thompson reports.

Hockey Canada and Curling Canada say they will continue to host major events in Alberta after the national figure skating body said it will be avoiding the province due to its laws banning trans athletes from competing.

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But Canadian Senator Kris Wells said he expects other sports bodies to speak against the United Conservative Party’s legislation.

“I think we’re going to see more organizations step up and choose to speak out and be on the side of human rights, rather than be complicit with discrimination,” said Wells.

Curling Canada said it has no intention to move events out of Alberta.

“The consequences would have a significant financial impact on Curling Alberta as well as Alberta-based host-clubs for events,” said a statement from the curling body.

Skate Canada holds frequent events in the province, including the 2024 national championships, but won’t have any planned for the foreseeable future.

In February a Skate Canada event saw roughly 300 skaters attend.

“This is an incredible hit to Alberta’s economy,” said NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi. “Tourism and sport is really important in Alberta.”

Explore Edmonton, the city’s tourism arm, declined to comment on the impact these kinds of events have on the local economy.

Skate Canada said it would stop hosting events in the province after reviewing the UCP’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act.

Premier Danielle Smith called the move “disgraceful” in a post to social media and said her government expects an apology.

Alberta athletes will still be able to participate in Skate Canada programming and competitions, said the national body.

Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta’s sport minister, said the province supports its figure skaters.

“No athlete should have an unfair advantage, and no athlete should have to put themselves at risk of harm to participate in the sports they love,” said the minister in a statement Tuesday. “Please know that our government supports your right to compete safely and fairly, even though your national sport organization does not.”

Skate Canada said it will reassess its decision should circumstances change.

With files from The Canadian Press