Manitobans may have the opportunity to provide input on whether it is necessary to continue the biannual clock changes. Premier Wab Kinew suggested that the province is approaching the possible end of the practice of advancing clocks by an hour in the spring and setting them back in the fall.
Kinew expressed that if starting anew, the current system of time adjustment would not likely be designed in the same manner. He emphasized the need to transition away from the current structure, which disrupts sleep, towards a more health-conscious and sustainable approach for the public in the long term.
The government is considering conducting surveys to gauge Manitobans’ preferences regarding time changes. Kinew mentioned that himself and other officials have been receiving feedback from the public and professionals about daylight saving time.
Following the recent time change, Kinew questioned the necessity of the practice while attending an early morning hockey practice. He highlighted the significant volume of comments from Manitobans in the legislators’ inboxes regarding the time change. Kinew also mentioned that his wife, a doctor, indicated health concerns related to the time adjustment.
Time regulation is within the jurisdiction of provinces and territories. Daylight saving time was introduced by Ottawa in 1918 to enhance wartime productivity.
British Columbia recently announced its decision to adopt year-round daylight time, joining Saskatchewan and Yukon in forgoing time changes. However, Saskatchewan and Yukon adhere to permanent standard time instead of daylight time.
Kinew stated that while there may be an intuitive preference for longer summer evenings, there are greater health benefits associated with permanent standard time. He emphasized potential health improvements, such as reduced stroke and obesity rates, with a switch to permanent standard time.
Manitoba has previously explored eliminating time changes, including a failed bill in 2019 and considerations under the previous Progressive Conservative government in 2022. Currently, a new bill has been proposed to transition to permanent daylight time in the upcoming year.
Various Canadian provinces, including Alberta and Ontario, are also deliberating on the possibility of ending biannual clock changes. Atlantic Canada’s premiers have decided to delay any decision on time changes pending actions from neighboring jurisdictions.