Alberta’s government understands the profound impact sport has in peoples’ lives, and is working to make sport fair, safe and accessible for all Albertans. Alberta has been leading the country in action to increase fairness and safety in sport.
The proposed Fairness and Safety in Sport Act establishes a balanced approach to protect the integrity of female athletic competitions by ensuring women and girls have the opportunity to compete in biological female-only divisions, while also ensuring transgender athletes are able to meaningfully participate in the sports of their choice.
“When individuals choose to participate in sport, they should be able to do so with the confidence that they will be able to compete fairly and safely. Through our Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, we are ensuring that athletes can rely on that fairness and safety. At the same time, we are committed to working with our partners to ensure that transgender Albertans will also have meaningful opportunities to participate in the sport of their choice.”
“Alberta’s government is committed to making sport safe, fair and accessible for all Albertans because sport is for everyone. The Fairness and Safety in Sport Act takes a balanced and respectful approach to ensure that athletes in Alberta can thrive. With this legislation, Alberta is leading the way in promoting sport as a positive, safe, inclusive experience for all.”
The Fairness and Safety in Sport Act emphasizes fairness, safety and inclusivity as core principles of sport in Alberta. If passed, the Act will require relevant organizations to establish athlete eligibility policies for the amateur competitive sports that they deliver and will support the formation of additional co-ed divisions inclusive of transgender athletes, so no Albertan has to watch from the sidelines. Regulations created under the Act will clarify specific requirements for these policies, including limiting eligibility for female-only divisions to female-born athletes.
This legislation will apply to amateur competitive sport that is organized and overseen by provincial sport organizations, post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions subject to the Post-secondary Learning Act, as well as school authorities with students of applicable age subject to the Education Act.
“Years ago, women had to fight to have their own sport leagues and events. Women are encouraged to participate knowing they are being provided with a safe and fair sport environment.”
Alberta’s government consulted with provincial sport organizations, post-secondary institutions, school authorities, coaches, parents, athletes, members of the transgender community and other subject matter experts to help inform Alberta’s approach to creating a more fair and safe sport system.
“My experience competing against a transgender athlete and the many messages of support I received from other female athletes who had encountered similar situations showed me how critical the need is to take decisive action to safeguard fairness and safety in women’s sports. This legislation will help level the playing field for the athletes of today and for generations to come.”
Alberta’s government will develop detailed regulations to guide organizations in the development of their athlete eligibility policies. The Act includes legal liability protection for organizations who carry out the requirements of the legislation.
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