Smith calls Skate Canada decision 'disgraceful' after it announces it will no longer events in Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith called Skate Canada's decision not to hold national or international events in Alberta because of the province's laws against transgender females in female sports, "disgraceful," as she responded to the decision announced on Tuesday. "Skate Canada‘s refusal to hold events in Alberta because we choose to protect women and girls in sport is disgraceful," wrote Smith in an X post.Skate Canada announced on Tuesday that it will no longer host national and international events in Alberta in response to the province's laws banning transgender females from participating in women's or girls' sports. "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," reads a statement from Skate Canada for a CBC..Skate Canada's concern is with the act its requirement that amateur competitive sports governing bodies limit participation in girls' and women's sports to those who were born female."Women and girls have the right to play competitive sports in a safe and fair environment against other biological females," Smith wrote."This view is held by a vast majority of Albertans and Canadians. It is also common sense and common decency."Alberta's Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andrew Boitchenko, likewise criticized Skate Canada following their decision. "It is disappointing that Skate Canada is refusing to support and protect their own female athletes. Alberta's policies protect women and girls and ensure that female athletic competitions are fair and safe," wrote Boitchenko in a statement sent to the Western Standard."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. This is an issue that even the International Olympic Committee has recognized and plans to address in the new year.".Skate Canada said it will monitor the situation regarding the legislation and has not ruled out future changes."We expect they will apologize and adjust their policies once they realize they are not only compromising the fairness and safety of their athletes, but are also offside with the international community, including the International Olympic Committee, which is moving in the same direction as Alberta," Smith wrote.Rob Anderson, Smith's chief of staff, said Skate Canada will come to regret its decision."I guess Skate Canada has a problem with protecting women and girls from having to compete against men in competitive sports. Proud to be from a province that protects the rights and safety of women," wrote Anderson in an X post."I suspect that within a few years Skate Canada will be apologizing to their athletes and to our province when their women athletes rebel against such absurd policies.".Boitchenko emphasized what Skate Canada will be missing by turning away from Alberta."By choosing to forgo events in Alberta's world-class venues, Skate Canada is denying their female athletes opportunities to compete on a safe and level playing field," Boitchenko wrote.The decision not to host events in the province will not ban Alberta skaters from participating in Skate Canada competitions.Boitchenko offered his support for Alberta's figure skaters."To Alberta's figure skaters — please know that our government supports your right to compete safely and fairly, even if your national sport organization won't," Boitchenko wrote.Alberta's legislation on transgender athletes came into effect after the province included it in Bill 9 in November, which invoked the notwithstanding clause in an effort to "protect children and families."

Smith calls Skate Canada decision 'disgraceful' after it announces it will no longer events in Alberta

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