B.C. to Adopt Permanent Daylight Time
Historic Decision on Time Change in British Columbia
British Columbia will soon adopt year‑round daylight saving time, eliminating the twice‑annual clock changes that have marked seasons for over a century. Premier David Eby and Attorney General Niki Sharma made the announcement in Victoria, outlining plans to end the seasonal time switches starting this spring. The move will take effect after residents spring their clocks forward one final time on March 8, 2026.
Eby said the change responds to widespread public frustration with adjusting clocks twice a year. He noted that repeat time changes disrupt sleep and daily routines for families, workers and students. The new time arrangement will be known simply as Pacific Time, giving B.C. a stable year‑round schedule that avoids the typical spring and fall clock shifts.
What Residents Can Expect
Under the new plan, B.C. will permanently remain one hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time during the months when clocks would normally fall back. That means daylight will extend into evening hours throughout the year. Officials say this shift could improve daily life by providing more daylight after work and school, particularly in winter.
Starting November 1, 2026, when clocks typically revert to standard time, no backward adjustment will occur. B.C.’s time will instead remain constant, helping reduce confusion for residents and businesses that currently manage twice‑yearly shifts.
The province has eight months to prepare for the full transition. Government agencies and community organizations plan to provide support and information to help people and businesses adapt smoothly.
Reasons Behind the Shift
Eby said eliminating the time changes will benefit public health by reducing sleep disruption and related impacts. He noted that regular clock adjustments can affect driving safety, shift workers’ schedules, and overall well‑being. “People lose sleep, kids lose sleep,” he said as he explained the practical reasons for a young demographic and workers alike favoring consistency.
Sharma emphasised that more predictable timekeeping will assist shift workers, nurses, paramedics, transit drivers and others who face logistical challenges during time changes. She said stable schedules could improve health outcomes and daily organization.
Alignment With Other Regions
B.C. will align with Alberta during winter months when both regions keep similar offsets from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC‑7). During summer months, permanent Pacific Time will match daylight saving time used in parts of the United States, including California, Oregon and Washington.
Some border communities in the East Kootenay region may continue switching time zones based on regional preferences and alignment with neighbouring areas. B.C.’s move also follows broader discussions about ending seasonal time changes across North America.
Public Support and Legislative Background
The decision follows a 2019 law that provided the legal framework to eliminate seasonal clock adjustments. At that time, the province waited for U.S. states on the West Coast to act in coordination. However, with limited movement from the United States, B.C. chose to proceed independently.
Public consultation at the time showed overwhelming support for ending the clock changes. Officials said the shift reflects the province’s preference for a simplified and predictable time system.
