Permanent Daylight Saving Time Expands in Canada

In the past week, the Northwest Territories announced that it will no longer observe the twice-annual clock change, joining Manitoba, which earlier confirmed a shift to permanent daylight saving time. Both jurisdictions cited resident surveys as the basis for the decision. The changes follow earlier adoptions by Alberta and British Columbia earlier this year, while Yukon and most of Saskatchewan have long avoided seasonal adjustments.

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Canada’s time-change policies have gradually aligned with neighboring U.S. states that have enacted permanent daylight saving legislation. Nineteen U.S. states—five of them sharing a border with Canada—have passed laws to lock clocks on daylight saving time, though federal action is still required for nationwide implementation. The House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, and former President Trump expressed support, but Senate action remains uncertain.

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• Manitoba’s online survey attracted nearly 72,000 participants; 92 % indicated they wanted to end the seasonal change, and about 60 % favored permanent daylight saving time.

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• In the Northwest Territories, more than 3,500 residents responded, with over 87 % supporting the elimination of clock changes.

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Premier Wab Kinew said the government acted on clear public demand to stop changing clocks in Manitoba. Premier R.J. Simpson similarly noted that ending seasonal time change fulfills residents’ wishes in the Northwest Territories. Officials in both jurisdictions emphasized that the permanent daylight saving model was the preferred option based on the survey outcomes.

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• “We heard from Manitobans loud and clear – no more changing the clocks in Manitoba,” — Premier Wab Kinew

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• “Ending seasonal time change gives residents what they’ve asked us for,” — R.J. Simpson

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