If you live in Manitoba, the twice-a-year clock change is about to become a thing of the past.
Credit: Lucas Photo
The Manitoba government says the province will remain on daylight saving time permanently, meaning clocks will not move back to standard time on Nov. 1.
Premier Wab Kinew said the decision followed public feedback showing strong support for ending seasonal time changes.
“We heard from Manitobans loud and clear, no more changing the clocks in Manitoba,” Kinew said.
Nearly 72,000 votes were submitted during a public consultation in May. Of those surveyed, 92 per cent wanted seasonal clock changes to end. When asked what should replace the current system, 58 per cent preferred permanent daylight saving time, while 34 per cent wanted permanent standard time.
For Manitobans, this means that you will no longer have to adjust clocks, sleep schedules and daily routines twice a year.
The province says it is working with businesses, organizations and industry partners as the change is implemented.
Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said keeping more daylight in the evening could help restaurants, retailers, farmers and communities.
“Ending the twice-a-year clock change reduces friction for companies working across provincial borders and offers all Manitobans greater predictability and stability,” Remillard said.
The government also pointed to an analysis by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, which concluded that eliminating seasonal time changes would be better for population health than continuing the current system.
Manitoba now joins several other provinces and territories that have adopted or are moving toward permanent time, including British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan.