Watch photo -Jon Tupper
EDMONTON — Alberta’s government says it plans to eliminate twice-a-year clock changes and move to permanent daylight time, citing shifts in neighbouring jurisdictions and long-standing public debate.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said legislation expected later this week would keep the province on its current time year-round, ending the practice of “springing forward” and “falling back.”
“It was time to stop talking about it and to take some action to get it done,” Nally said.
Premier Danielle Smith has also signalled support for the change, saying many Albertans prefer longer daylight hours in the evening.
The move follows decisions in neighbouring regions, including British Columbia, which is moving to permanent daylight time, and Saskatchewan, which does not change its clocks. Nally said Alberta is now effectively “sandwiched” between jurisdictions that have already moved away from seasonal time changes.
The issue has been debated in Alberta for decades. In a 2021 referendum, 50.2 per cent of voters narrowly rejected a proposal to adopt permanent daylight time.
Despite that result, the government says conditions have changed, pointing to regional alignment and practical considerations for businesses and workers who operate across provincial boundaries.
If the legislation passes, Alberta would remain on daylight time year-round, resulting in longer daylight hours in the evening and darker mornings during the winter months.
Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has criticized the move, arguing the government is revisiting an issue already decided by voters.
The government has not said when the change would take effect if approved.
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