Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde is advocating for the discontinuation of the biannual clock changes across Canada and plans to introduce legislation to address this issue. Lalonde emphasized the need to reevaluate the time change practice, stating that it is time to take action. She intends to present a private member’s bill that calls for a national conference to establish a permanent time standard.
While most Canadian provinces adhere to the time change routine of advancing the clocks in spring and setting them back in fall, jurisdictions like Saskatchewan, Yukon, parts of B.C., and Nunavut do not observe this practice. Lalonde’s proposal aims to unite the country in determining a consistent timekeeping approach.
Various provinces have considered eliminating the time change, with some linking their decisions to neighboring U.S. states. Despite public discussions and consultations in Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Alberta, definitive choices have not been made. Lalonde emphasized the importance of a collective decision-making process involving all stakeholders.
Experts have highlighted health implications linked to the biannual time changes, including increased risks of strokes, heart attacks, and car accidents. The debate also revolves around the potential impacts of adopting a permanent time standard, such as permanent daylight time or standard time, on sleep patterns and daily routines.
Rébecca Robillard from the Canada Sleep Research Consortium supported Lalonde’s initiative, emphasizing the need for informed societal considerations in determining time change policies. Lalonde acknowledged that the legislative process may take time but stressed the importance of initiating a national dialogue on this issue.
