Maritime Helmet Laws
Helmet legislation for winter activities is different from province to province. Highlighted below are the helmet laws regarding winter sports by each Maritime province.
Nova Scotia:
Ice Skating
A number of rinks in Nova Scotia have recently adopted an all ages mandatory ice skating helmet policy for public skates, staff, and volunteers.
- For example, Dalhousie University’s Memorial Arena, requires that people of all ages wear a helmet during all skating activities.
- Contact your local skating rink for more information.
Ice Hockey
In organized ice hockey, as followed under the guidelines of Hockey Canada, it is mandatory for all players to wear a helmet.1
- All players must wear a CSA certified helmet and face protector (CSA labels must remain on helmet at all times).
- It is recommended that you do not apply any materials such as stickers to the helmet.
- It is important to follow manufacturer instructions for proper care and maintenance of the helmet.
Skiing & Snowboarding
On December 6th, 2011, the Nova Scotia government passed the world’s first ski and snowboard helmet legislation, the Snow Sport Helmet Act, which makes wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding on the ski hill mandatory for all ages. This new legislation is set to come into effect on November 1, 2012. There will be a $250 fine for any violation.3
New Brunswick:
Ice Hockey
In organized ice hockey, as followed under the guidelines of Hockey Canada, it is mandatory for all players to wear a helmet.1
- All players must wear a CSA certified helmet and face protector (CSA labels must remain on helmet at all times).
- It is recommended that you do not apply any materials such as stickers to the helmet.
- It is important to follow manufacturer instructions for proper care and maintenance of the helmet.
As of January 1, 2014, the City of Moncton has enacted a mandatory helmet policy for skaters of all ages using the city’s indoor rinks.
Prince Edward Island:
Ice Hockey
In organized ice hockey, as followed under the guidelines of Hockey Canada, it is mandatory for all players to wear a helmet.1
- All players must wear a CSA certified helmet and face protector (CSA labels must remain on helmet at all times).
- It is recommended that you do not apply any materials such as stickers to the helmet.
- It is important to follow manufacturer instructions for proper care and maintenance of the helmet.
Even if there is no helmet legislation for a specific winter sport in your province, helmets are recommended for these winter sports to protect people of all ages against brain injury.
Sources:
1. Hockey Canada. (2008). Hockey helmet policy.Policy and Procedures Manual. Retrieved from http://www.hockeycanada.ca.
