Alberta time change: Canada province plans to scrap clock changes

Canadian province of Alberta is set to end twice-a-year clock changes, with plans to remain on daylight time throughout the year, its premier, Danielle Smith has said.

According to Postmedia, Smith confirmed the province intends to introduce legislation later this week to make the change permanent.

The move would mean Albertans no longer adjust clocks forward in spring or back in autumn.

“I kind of like more sunlight at night, and I think most people do, too, because we are on daylight eight months out of the year. Going to standard (time) 12 months of the year would be a big adjustment for people”, Smith siad.

The shift would result in darker winter mornings but longer daylight in the evenings. It would also alter how Alberta aligns with other provinces.

British Columbia would remain one hour behind year-round, while Saskatchewan would stay on the same time as Alberta.

The change follows renewed debate across western Canada after British Columbia announced plans to adopt permanent daylight time.

However, some health experts have raised concerns. Organisations including the Canadian Sleep Society argue that permanent daylight time could lead to sleep disruption and other health risks, advocating instead for standard time.

If passed, the new legislation would mark a major shift in Alberta’s timekeeping policy.