As winter approaches, Canadians are preparing for shorter days and longer nights. Daylight saving time (DST) will officially end on November 2, 2023. Canadians in most time zones will turn their clocks back one hour before bedtime on November 1. This change occurs in the early morning hours of November 2, while many people are still asleep. Certain regions, including the Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia and Quebec, will remain on standard time.
End of Daylight Saving Time: What to Expect
Most digital devices automatically adjust for DST, but it is advisable to manually check your clocks. Ensuring correct time is especially important for avoiding missed appointments or arriving at work an hour early.
Debate Over Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time has been a part of Canadian life for over a century, but there is increasing support for its abolition. Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, a neurology professor, highlighted serious health concerns associated with changing clocks. She noted that the time switch increases risks of stroke, heart attack, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde is spearheading efforts to end the seasonal clock change through a private member’s bill. She aims to encourage a national dialogue among federal, provincial, and Indigenous leaders to establish a unified time across Canada. Lalonde stated that while time regulation falls under provincial jurisdiction, collaborative efforts are essential for achieving meaningful change.
Progress in Various Provinces
The issue of abolishing daylight saving time has been a topic of discussion within several provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario have seen political movements aimed at stopping this long-standing practice. In 2020, Ontario’s legislature passed the Time Amendment Act, contingent on cooperation from neighboring regions like New York and Quebec. Similarly, British Columbia passed legislation in 2019, with actions pending based on California’s decisions.
British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed openness to independently moving forward with this change. He acknowledged the necessity of synchronizing with major trading partners but recognized the province’s increasing economic independence. Alberta previously held a referendum in 2021, where a slim majority opted to maintain DST.
Historical Context and Implications
Daylight saving time has its origins in a proposal by New Zealand entomologist George Hudson in 1895. Hudson argued that shifting the clocks would create more daylight hours for his research activities. Recent studies have raised concerns regarding the health impacts of this annual transition.
- A 2019 report indicated an increased risk of heart attacks post-switch.
- A Finnish study from 2016 linked the clock change to heightened stroke-related hospitalizations.
As the debate continues, Canadians are encouraged to consider the potential implications of transitioning to a permanent time zone, especially regarding their health and daily routines.
