The Alberta government is expected to introduce legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent in the province, according to multiple news reports. The bill would require federal approval to change time zones, as timekeeping is a federal responsibility in Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith has previously expressed support for ending the twice-yearly time change. A 2021 referendum in Alberta showed 50.2% of voters in favor of adopting permanent daylight saving time, though the result was not binding.
If passed, Alberta would join Yukon and several U.S. states in seeking to eliminate the clock change. The legislation would need approval from the federal government, which has not yet granted any province permission to switch to permanent daylight time.
Critics argue that permanent daylight saving time would mean darker winter mornings, which could affect school children and early workers. Supporters cite potential benefits for tourism and reduced disruption from time changes.
