Thirty events across Canada will welcome people to the ice to discover skating this winter

MONTREAL, QC – On January 21, Intact Insurance and Speed Skating Canada will partner on the national launch of Skate for All, a new, community-based initiative that offers no-cost skating activities to introduce youth, families, new Canadians and equity-deserving groups to the joy of one of Canada’s favourite pastimes.

Hosted in collaboration with Patinage de vitesse Quebec, Wednesday’s event at the Maurice Richard Arena in Montreal – home of the Canadian short track team – will welcome over 100 people to the ice in an inclusive, safe and fun environment. Participants will have the opportunity to try speed skates, meet the athletes named to Team Canada for Milano-Cortina 2026, get skating tips from local club coaches, and enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate surrounded by others from their community.

“Our first national Skate for All event in Montreal is an exciting milestone in the development of this new grassroots initiative for our sport. Any time that our Olympians and National Team athletes have the opportunity to skate alongside members of our local communities, lasting memories are made on and off the ice. We are incredibly grateful for the passion and support that Intact Insurance brings to every element of our partnership, including Skate for All.”

Joe Morissette, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Skating Canada

Three additional Skate for All national events will take place across the country this winter.
– February 1: Speed Skating Manitoba will host its annual Skate the Oval fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba on Winnipeg’s largest outdoor ice surface.
– February 4: The Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Club will inspire participants with speed skating’s top moments on giant screens during a free public skate in Abbotsford (BC).
– February 22: The Toronto Speed Skating Club will welcome community members to try speed skating for the first time, while celebrating the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

An additional twenty-six speed skating clubs from across Canada were provided with funding – made possible by Intact Insurance and Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All program – to deliver a local Skate for All event in their community during the 2025-26 season.

“Skate for All reflects our commitment to inclusion and community. At Intact, we’re proud to help open the door to the joy of skating for everyone. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or returning to the rink, our goal is to make skating accessible, fun, and community-driven for all.”

Imen Zitouni, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Intact Financial Corporation

Visit www.skateforall.ca for more information on this community-based initiative and to sign-up for an event near you.