BURSTThe Northwest Territories will end seasonal time changes, Premier R.J. Simpson announced on April 20.
According to a Government of NWT news release, the premier’s announcement came in response to the Alberta government’s decision to adopt Daylight Saving Time year-round.
“This practical, forward-looking decision reflects what many people across Canada have been calling for,” said Simpson. “Northerners, in particular, have been clear on this issue: through public engagement, a majority of NWT residents expressed support for ending seasonal time change and moving to a year-round time.”
Simpson said this development will require careful coordination among jurisdictions, industry and the technological systems we rely on.
“Taking this step alongside Alberta allows us to do that work more efficiently and with fewer disruptions,” the premier said.
The GNWT will begin developing a clear timeline, and giving residents, businesses, and service providers the time they’ll need to prepare for the coming change, Simpson added.
“This is a good example of governments working together to make practical changes that reflect how people actually live and work,” he said.
Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo raised the issue of seasonal time changes during the March 6 legislative session. Nerysoo noted the practice’s negative impact on daily routines and sleep patterns.
“In the North, we already experience significant seasonal shifts in daylight,” he said. “During the winter months, daylight hours are very limited, while in the summer, the sun remains visible late into the evening. Adjusting clocks does little to change these natural patterns.”
Simpson, in response to Nerysoo’s comments, emphasized his shared desire to end the practice. He noted the GNWT had conducted a survey about ending the seasonal time change in 2022. The premier called this survey “probably the most popular survey we’ve ever put out,” and noted that 87 per cent of respondents agreed with the idea of halting seasonal time changes.
“I was very encouraged when [Alberta] Premier [Danielle] Smith noted that they’re doing some consultation to look at ending time change,” said Simpson. “I let her know that as soon as Alberta ends time change we’ll be right there with them, and we’re ready to go.”
B.C. Premier David Eby announced March 2 that British Columbia would be changing clocks for the last time on March 8, marking a permanent move to daylight saving time.