December Hearing Could Change Gender Equity in Canadian Cycling

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal confirmed on Wednesday that it will hold a three‑day hearing in December for Fiona Majendie, Skyler Goudswaard, Jenna Nestman, Lily Plante and Justine Thomas. The athletes allege the national federation discriminated against them by not entering a women’s team pursuit at the Shanghai world championships.

The five women filed their complaint after the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada rejected their appeal on Aug. 10. They had asked the SDRCC to overturn Cycling Canada’s decision not to field a women’s team, but the centre upheld the original choice.

Cycling Canada defended the move, saying it was based on performance analysis that showed the men were closer to a top‑six world ranking, and on budget limits. The federation said it is shifting the women’s program to a development model and will aim for Olympic qualification in 2028 and 2032.

The Tribunal also refused an interim order that would have forced Cycling Canada to register a women’s team by the Sept. 21 deadline, noting there was not enough time for a rapid decision. Instead, it scheduled the full hearing for December.

In its response, Cycling Canada denied any sexual discrimination and argued the case is an abuse of process under the Human Rights Code, because the SDRCC had already considered the issue. The organization also requested the Tribunal separate the abuse‑of‑process question from the discrimination claim, but the request was denied.

Federal support for the sport is also changing. The government announced up to $6.8 million in new funding for Cycling Canada for 2026‑27, with an $846,000 allocation for the current year. This money could influence how the federation balances men’s and women’s programs.

The outcome of the hearing could set a precedent for how gender‑based funding and selection decisions are reviewed in Canadian sport. If the Tribunal finds discrimination, Cycling Canada may have to adjust its budget and development plans, potentially improving Olympic prospects for women’s track cycling.

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