Permanent Daylight Saving Time: B.C. Leads the Way, But Will Other Provinces Follow?
As clocks “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, British Columbia will be doing so for the last time. The province is set to adopt permanent daylight saving time, sparking renewed debate about whether other Canadian provinces will follow suit.
Why B.C. Is Making the Change
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby announced the province will adopt permanent daylight saving time, eliminating seasonal time changes. Eby cited negative impacts of the bi-annual clock changes, stating, “Kids get up at the same time, even though the clocks changed. Dogs get up at the same time, even though the clocks changed. Parents lose sleep… So what we see is more car accidents and people not feeling well.”
The move follows years of effort, with previous attempts by former premier John Horgan also aiming to end daylight saving time. In 2019, legislation was passed to create a Pacific Time zone with year-round daylight time, based on a public consultation where 93% of respondents supported the change.
What About Other Provinces?
While B.C. Moves forward, the path for other provinces is less clear. Ontario passed legislation in November 2020 to end time changes and remain permanently on daylight time, but the bill was contingent on similar action from Quebec and New York State. As of March 2022, Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated the province would “eventually” scrap the bi-annual time change. Peter Graefe, an Associate Professor of Political Science at McMaster University, notes that “It’s a collective action problem where there’s no incentive for any place to move.”
Alberta held a vote in October 2021, with 50.2% of Albertans supporting the continuation of daylight saving time, though the margin was narrow. The Alberta government, led by Danielle Smith, is currently re-examining the issue, considering potential impacts on airline schedules, sports, and regional alignment. Finance Minister Nate Horner indicated the issue could be revisited after further consideration of the rationale behind the 2021 vote.
Global News reached out to several provinces for comment. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia all stated they have no current plans to change how they observe daylight saving time. Ontario and Nova Scotia emphasized the need for regional alignment, referencing Ontario’s 2020 legislation. Quebec acknowledged public desire for change but is consulting with experts. Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island did not respond to inquiries.
The Science Behind the Debate
The debate over daylight saving time extends beyond convenience. Rebecca Robillard, co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, explains that adjusting to time changes is more complex than simply losing an hour of sleep. It disrupts the alignment between the body’s biological clock and the natural light cycle, impacting hormone release, metabolism, and other bodily functions, potentially leading to sleepiness, mood swings, and health problems.
However, Patricia Lakin-Thomas, a professor in the biology department at York University, cautions that permanent daylight saving time also has drawbacks, particularly during winter months when morning light is reduced. Morning light is crucial for resetting the body’s circadian clock.
Neurology professor Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that if a change is made, keeping standard time year-round is the preferable option, aligning with medical consensus for better health and safety outcomes.
Looking Ahead
British Columbia’s decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time sets a precedent, but whether other provinces will follow remains uncertain. The issue highlights the challenges of coordinating time zone changes across jurisdictions and the need to balance convenience with potential health and economic impacts. The debate is likely to continue as provinces weigh the benefits and drawbacks of permanent daylight saving time versus permanent standard time.