Breaking Free from the Clock: Why Most Canadians Stick with Daylight Saving Time While B.C. Opts Out
This Sunday, as clocks across Canada spring forward for daylight saving time, British Columbia will be making this adjustment for the very last time. But here's where it gets controversial: while B.C. embraces a permanent shift to daylight saving time, most other provinces are sticking with the twice-yearly clock changes. Why the divide? And what does this mean for the rest of the country?
The decision to abandon daylight saving time isn’t as straightforward as it seems. As McMaster University political scientist Peter Graefe points out, it’s a classic collective action problem. No single province has a strong incentive to change unless others do the same. “Maybe it does take one place to move and show that the sky didn’t fall, for others to follow suit,” Graefe suggests. B.C. is taking that leap, but will it inspire others?
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these time changes goes far beyond losing an hour of sleep. British Columbia’s Premier David Eby highlighted the broader consequences when announcing the province’s new policy. “Kids, dogs, parents—everyone’s sleep patterns are disrupted. This leads to more car accidents, health issues, and unnecessary stress on families,” he explained. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about public safety and well-being.
B.C.’s journey to this point has been years in the making. Former Premier John Horgan repeatedly tried to eliminate daylight saving time, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the province passed legislation to create a permanent Pacific Time zone. This move was backed by an overwhelming 93% of residents in the largest public consultation in B.C.’s history. Clearly, the people spoke—but why hasn’t the rest of Canada followed?
Ontario, for instance, passed a bill in 2020 to end time changes, but with a catch: it depended on Quebec and New York State doing the same. As of now, neither has committed, leaving Ontario’s plan in limbo. Premier Doug Ford has hinted at eventual change, but regional alignment remains a hurdle. “I think we’ll eventually stick with daylight saving time, just like the rest of North America,” he said in 2022. But when will ‘eventually’ arrive?
Alberta’s situation is equally complex. In 2021, a slim majority (50.2%) voted to keep daylight saving time, but the government is re-examining the issue. Concerns about airline schedules, professional sports, and becoming an outlier if neighboring provinces choose differently have stalled progress. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek argues the issue is settled, but Finance Minister Nate Horner suggests the conversation isn’t over yet. “We need to understand which time we’re changing to and why,” he said. Will Alberta take a cue from B.C.?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the health implications of these time changes are far-reaching. Rebecca Robillard, co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, explains that adjusting to daylight saving time isn’t just about losing sleep. “It disrupts the alignment between our biological clock and the natural cycle of the sun, affecting everything from hormone release to metabolism,” she says. This misalignment can lead to mood swings, memory problems, and even increased risks of stroke and heart attacks.
But not everyone agrees. Patricia Lakin-Thomas, a biology professor at York University, warns that permanent daylight saving time has downsides, especially in winter. “We need morning light to reset our circadian clocks,” she notes. Without it, our internal rhythms can fall out of sync with the 24-hour cycle. Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, a neurology professor, adds that sticking with standard time is the medically sound choice. “When our biological clock aligns with the sun, we see better health and safety outcomes,” she emphasizes.
So, where does this leave us? B.C. is forging ahead, but the rest of Canada remains divided. Is it time for a national conversation? Should provinces prioritize regional alignment over local preferences? And what role should health concerns play in this decision? We want to hear from you: Do you think Canada should adopt a uniform approach to daylight saving time, or should each province decide for itself? Let us know in the comments below!
