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Athletics Canada

The national sport governing body for track and field, para athletics, cross-country and road, mountain and trail running in Canada, by its own description; listed by the Athletics Integrity Unit under NACAC.
✓ Last reviewed: October 2026
IncorporatedLetters patent dated 31 July 1968; name Athletics Canada adopted 4 June 1991, per its financial statements[6]
Legal formNot-for-profit corporation, continued under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act on 19 June 2014[6]
International federationWorld Athletics, as listed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (2026 list)[1]
Area associationNACAC, as listed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (2026 list)[1]
Provincial and territorial branchesAlberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon, as listed by Athletics Canada (October 2026)[5]

What is Athletics Canada?

Athletics Canada describes itself as “the national sport governing body for track and field, para athletics, cross-country, and road, mountain, and trail running” in Canada. It states that it is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation run by a board of directors elected by its provincial and territorial members.[3] Its audited financial statements describe it as a registered Canadian amateur athletic association within the meaning of the Income Tax Act.[6]

What does Athletics Canada govern or do?

The organisation gives its purpose as “to support high performance athletics excellence at the world level, and to provide leadership in developmental athletics”.[3] Its financial statements put the purpose as the development and promotion of athletics in Canada.[6] It publishes its bylaws, technical rules and policies, board minutes and financial statements on its governance pages.[7]

When was Athletics Canada founded and where is it based?

According to its financial statements for the year to 31 March 2026, the organisation was incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act by letters patent dated 31 July 1968, adopted the name Athletics Canada by supplementary letters patent dated 4 June 1991 and continued its articles under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act on 19 June 2014.[6]

How is Athletics Canada recognised?

World Athletics. The Athletics Integrity Unit lists Athletics Canada (code CAN) in its List of Categorised National Federations as of 2026, drawn up under Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, placing it in category B.[1][2]

NACAC. The same list assigns Athletics Canada to the area association NACAC, the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association.[1]

What does Athletics Canada organise?

Athletics Canada’s site lists a Canadian Championship Series that includes the Canadian Outdoor and Indoor Track and Field Championships, the Canadian Cross Country Championships, the Canadian Road Running Championships, the Canadian Mountain and Trail Running Championships and the Canadian Masters Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships.[4] Its site invites bids to host editions of several of these championships in 2027–2029.[4]

Who are its members?

The provincial and territorial associations are Athletics Canada’s members and elect its board of directors.[3] The branches it lists (October 2026) are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon.[5] Its site links to a registration platform with a directory of clubs.[3]

References

  1. Athletics Integrity Unit — Rule 15: List of Categorised National Federations as of 2026 (PDF). Accessed 2026-10-06.
  2. Athletics Integrity Unit — National Federation Anti-Doping Obligations. Accessed 2026-10-06.
  3. Athletics Canada — About AC. Accessed 2026-10-06.
  4. Athletics Canada — official website (home page). Accessed 2026-10-06.
  5. Athletics Canada — Branches. Accessed 2026-10-06.
  6. Athletics Canada — Financial statements, year ended 31 March 2026 (PDF). Accessed 2026-10-06.
  7. Athletics Canada — Governance. Accessed 2026-10-06.