Hockey Canada and Curling Canada Stand Firm Amid Controversy

Hockey Canada and Curling Canada have confirmed they will not follow Skate Canada’s recent decision to withdraw from hosting events in Alberta. The move by Skate Canada was prompted by a new provincial law that restricts transgender athletes from participating in female amateur sports. Both national sporting organizations stated they will maintain their event schedules in Alberta, despite the ongoing controversy.

In a statement, Hockey Canada’s chief of staff, Jeremy Knight, emphasized that the organization has “no plans to adjust our event schedule at this time.” With the World Women’s Curling Championship scheduled to take place in Calgary in March 2024, Curling Canada also reaffirmed its commitment to the province. Spokesperson Al Cameron noted, “Our plans remain unchanged,” adding that moving events could have a significant financial impact on local stakeholders, including Curling Alberta and host clubs.

Cameron further stated that Curling Canada supports the rights of all athletes to participate in their sport as they choose. The organization plans to continue consulting with stakeholders regarding future events and policies.

Skate Canada announced its decision to cease holding events in Alberta due to concerns about maintaining its national standards for safe and inclusive sport. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith publicly criticized Skate Canada’s action, labeling it “offside with the international community.” In contrast, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport, advocated for the inclusion of all Canadians in sports without discrimination, including the transgender community.

According to van Koeverden, “National sport organizations like Skate Canada operate independently from the government and make decisions with respect to the individual rights of athletes, based on science and evidence, specific to their sport.”

Advocates for LGBTQ2S+ rights, along with those opposing Smith’s policies, expressed hope that Skate Canada’s stance could inspire other organizations to take similar actions. Although no other comparable sports entities have followed Skate Canada’s lead, proponents of inclusion assert that individuals can influence change through their consumer choices regarding sporting events.

Kurt Weaver, chief operations officer of You Can Play, remarked on the situation, stating, “It’s unfortunate this has to happen. But absolutely, it is something we have to do to communicate to the government when it is overreaching, especially within our sports and our sport communities.”

As the debate continues, the response from Hockey Canada and Curling Canada highlights the complex interplay between sports governance, inclusivity, and provincial legislation. The decisions made by these organizations could have lasting effects on the landscape of amateur sports in Canada.