Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:50 am GMT
As the leaves begin to change and the days grow shorter, Canadians are preparing for a seasonal ritual: the end of daylight saving time. Scheduled for Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., many people will set their clocks back an hour, gaining an extra hour of sleep. However, not all regions in Canada will observe this time change.
Understanding Daylight Saving Time in Canada
Canada follows daylight saving time, a practice where clocks are set forward by one hour in the spring and set back by one hour in the fall. This change is meant to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer.
Key Dates to Remember
- Daylight saving time ends: Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 2 a.m.
- Clocks will be set back one hour.
This year, as autumn officially begins on September 22, many Canadians are already aware of the upcoming time change. A recent spike in Google searches indicates public interest, and the question on many minds is, “When do I change my clock back?”
Regions with Different Observances
Despite the nationwide trend, some areas have chosen not to follow the time change. The following regions do not observe daylight saving time:
- Yukon
- Most of Saskatchewan
- Certain parts of Quebec
- Certain parts of Ontario
- Certain parts of British Columbia
This means that while most Canadians will adjust their clocks, others will continue with standard time year-round.
Debate Around Daylight Saving Time
There is an ongoing debate in Canada about whether to eliminate daylight saving time altogether. Some Canadians advocate for its removal, citing health concerns related to the bi-annual clock changes. A Change.org petition started by Irene Shone has attracted over 86,000 signatures, calling on the federal government to abolish the practice.
Organizations like the Canadian Sleep Society and the American Medical Association support these efforts, arguing that the clock changes can disrupt sleep patterns and have negative health impacts.
Legislative Actions
In November 2020, Ontario passed the Time Amendment Act (Bill 214), aiming to make daylight saving time the standard time year-round. However, this legislation has yet to take effect. Jack Fazzari, press secretary for Ontario’s attorney general, stated, “Although Bill 214 has been passed into law, it hasn’t taken effect, as New York State and Quebec have not passed similar legislation yet.”
The decision to maintain daylight saving time or switch permanently to standard time is complex and involves various stakeholders, including provincial governments and neighboring jurisdictions.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As daylight saving time comes to an end, Canadians should prepare for the following:
- Set clocks back one hour on November 3.
- Enjoy an extra hour of sleep that night.
- Keep informed about potential changes to daylight saving time legislation.
Conclusion
As autumn gets closer and the end of daylight saving time approaches, people in Canada start to notice the changes in the seasons. Many are happy to get an extra hour of sleep, but some still wonder if we really need daylight saving time. It’s unclear what will happen with the laws about it in the future. For now, everyone can get ready for the time change and enjoy the cool, fresh air that comes with autumn.
