British Columbians are once again preparing for the end of daylight saving time, which occurs this weekend. On Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour to 1 a.m. This transition means residents will enjoy an extra hour of sleep. However, mornings will become lighter, while evenings will grow darker more quickly.
B.C. Daylight Saving Time Overview
The change to standard time takes place on the first Sunday of November each year. This year’s transition occurs particularly early on the calendar. The biannual time change has sparked ongoing debate among residents.
Public Opinion and Legislative Actions
In 2019, the government of British Columbia conducted an online survey regarding the future of the time change. Remarkably, 93% of participants expressed a desire to eliminate the practice. Following the survey, the NDP government passed legislation to adopt permanent daylight saving time, contingent on similar actions by neighboring U.S. states—Washington, Oregon, and California.
Locally synchronized times are deemed important for trade relations. However, the initiative to eliminate the time change appears to have stalled, as adjustments in these U.S. states have also been delayed. Additionally, British Columbia is facing economic tensions with the United States.
Current Discussions
In March, as British Columbians prepared to “spring forward,” Premier David Eby indicated openness to the idea of a permanent daylight saving time. At a news conference on March 5, he reflected on the changing times, suggesting that the province could potentially stand alone concerning time regulations.
Recently, Ottawa-area MP Marie-France Lalonde has advocated for a national resolution to end daylight saving time, echoing sentiments shared by many Canadians.
Historical Context
The practice of changing clocks twice yearly in Canada began in 1918 to boost wartime production. However, not all regions in Canada adhere to this tradition. For instance:
- In 2020, Yukon stopped observing daylight saving time after community consultations.
- Most communities in Saskatchewan maintain a single time throughout the year.
- Some regions in northeastern British Columbia also do not change their clocks.
As the debate continues, British Columbians prepare to adjust their clocks once more, while discussions on permanent daylight saving time linger.
