Many Canadians will lose an hour of sleep this weekend as they prepare to spring forward for daylight saving time. The time change occurs at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, when clocks will be set forward to 3 a.m. This seasonal shift has varying levels of acceptance across the country, with some regions opting not to participate at all.
Historically, daylight saving time was first adopted by Canada during World War I as part of efforts to conserve energy. The original intent behind this practice was to make optimal use of natural light during the longer summer days. It was during this time when Canada began adjusting the clocks, aligning with similar measures enacted by Germany at the same time. Daylight saving time has been observed more or less continuously since then, particularly spurred on by the events of the wars.
Despite its long-standing status, there has been growing public sentiment against the biannual time change. Most of British Columbia will adjust their clocks this weekend after legislation was passed back in 2019 aiming to transition to permanent daylight time. More than 223,000 British Columbians participated, and approximately 93% voted in favor of ceasing to switch clocks for daylight saving time.
Premier David Eby has pondered whether B.C. should move forward with the change independently of the U.S. He stated, "I'll ponder whether we should keep waiting" when recent geopolitical tensions have stirred doubts about relying on alignment with American time practices, particularly following new tariffs imposed on Canadian goods. This has raised questions on how closely B.C. should mimic U.S. practices, particularly when half of their exports go to the neighboring country.
Some regions within Canada, such as parts of Saskatchewan, Yukon, and communities within Ontario, do not observe daylight saving time. Comparisons have been drawn to Yukon, which stopped changing the clocks back in 2020, opting for permanent daylight time to capitalize on evening light during extended winter months. Andrew Smith, intergovernmental relations officer for the Yukon government, reports minimal disruptions to residents or border activities due to the change. He remarked, "It's not a huge difference." This offers insight for British Columbia as it considers whether to follow suit.
While some continue to advocate for the immediate implementation of permanent daylight time, the complex relationship between the U.S. and Canada complicates any decision made by B.C. Licensing expert opinions, UBC business professor Werner Antweiler urges caution, pointing out the province's economic connections. "There is no urge to act sooner than this plays out over the next year or two," he stated. Here again, the balancing act between local desires and international relations takes center stage.
Alberta has had similar discussions following their 2021 referendum, where just over half the voters desired to continue changing their clocks. The back-and-forth debate surrounding daylight saving time continues, bringing forth questions of efficiency, health, and productivity. Studies have shown adverse health effects such as increases in strokes and heart attacks immediately following the time shifts.
The recent imposition of 25% tariffs by the U.S. government on all Canadian goods has only intensified the dialogue on whether B.C. should continue to match U.S. timings. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced several times within the U.S. Congress, could remove the necessity for time alterations permanently if it ever secures passage. This shift would see daylight saving time maintained year-round, as long desired by many residents.
Though the practical effects of the time changes are so commonplace, initial steps to gauge public change have met technical and political hurdles. The back-and-forth adjustments have lingered on for decades, rooted deeply within both historical precedent and social negotiation.
Returning to the present moment, on March 9, 2025, Canadians will once again set their clocks forward. Whether this practice will continue long-term remains uncertain. For now, individuals must prepare to forgo one hour of sleep and recognize how this act connects to much larger conversations about identity, culture, and mutual influence between nations.