The Canadian province of Alberta is set to end its twice-a-year clock change, and plans to keep daylight time year-round, its premier Danielle Smith has said.
According to Postmedia, Smith confirmed that the province intends to introduce legislation later this week to make the change permanent.
The move will mean Albertans will no longer adjust the clocks forward in the spring or back in the fall.
“I like more sunlight at night, and I think most people do too, because we have daylight eight months a year. Going to standard (time) 12 months a year will be a big adjustment for people”, Smith said.
As a result of this change, winter mornings will be darker but daylight will be longer in the evenings. It would also change how Alberta coordinates with other provinces.
British Columbia will lag behind by one hour year-round, while Saskatchewan will stay on the same time as Alberta.
There has been renewed debate across Western Canada after British Columbia announced plans to adopt permanent daylight time.
However, some health experts have raised concerns. Organizations including the Canadian Sleep Society argue that permanent daylight hours could lead to sleep disruption and other health risks, advocating standard time instead.
If passed, the new law would mark a major change in Alberta’s timekeeping policy.
