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.
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
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
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
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.