Alberta is elaborating on new rules to keep women’s sports fair and safe, following the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act.
New regulations from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport will take effect to safeguard the fairness of women’s sports, addressing global anxieties about biological males competing in female categories.
The legislation, which received Royal Assent on Dec. 4, 2024, takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.
The associated regulation mandates that provincial sports organizations, school authorities, and post-secondary institutions enact athlete eligibility policies, confining female-only divisions to individuals who are biologically female.
“When Albertans participate in the sports they love, they should be able to do so on a level playing field,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
“No athlete should have an unfair advantage, and no athlete should have to put themselves at risk of harm to participate.”
The Fairness and Safety in Sport Act (Bill 29) outlines a balanced approach that prioritizes safety and fairness for women and girls, while encouraging the creation and expansion of mixed-sex divisions to ensure all athletes have the opportunity to participate meaningfully.
Alberta intends to provide enforceable standards that regulate biologically female-only competition and protect the future of women-only sporting environments.
According to the government, organizations covered by the legislation must now align their internal policies with the new laws.
These include any school authorities under the Education Act and post-secondary institutions under the Post-secondary Learning Act.
The act and regulation were shaped following consultations with sports organizations, educators, coaches, parents, athletes, and members of the transgender community.
The government says the new requirements will help ensure Alberta’s sport environment remains safe, and fair with dedicated protections for female athletes across all levels of competition.