Watch picture -Jon Tupper
EDMONTON — Alberta is once again considering whether to scrap seasonal clock changes after neighbouring British Columbia announced it will permanently adopt daylight saving time.
B.C. Premier David Eby said Monday his province will move clocks ahead one hour on March 8 for the final time and remain on what will be called Pacific Time year round.
The shift means Alberta would align with B.C. from November to March, while continuing to align with Saskatchewan from March to November. Most of Saskatchewan observes central standard time year round and does not change clocks.
Premier Danielle Smith said the developments raise questions about regional consistency.
“Our government will take these recent developments under consideration and evaluate whether a similar change would be in the best interest of Albertans,” Smith said in a statement.
She added B.C.’s move, combined with Saskatchewan’s long standing approach, prompts Alberta to examine whether it should seek alignment across Western Canada.
Alberta voters narrowly rejected a proposal in 2021 to adopt permanent daylight time. The referendum failed with 50.2 per cent voting to keep seasonal time changes and 49.8 per cent in favour of ending them.
Smith has previously suggested the issue could return to a ballot. For now, clocks in Alberta are set to move ahead one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday when daylight saving time begins.
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