Antique clocks are displayed at the Electric Time Company in Medfield, Massachusetts, Thursday, March 5, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Charles Krupa)
Turns out Manitobans really, really hate springing forward and falling back, so the province is ending the time change.
Premier Wab Kinew announced Thursday the province will remain on daylight saving time (DST) permanently, meaning clocks will not revert to standard time on November 1.
“We heard from Manitobans loud and clear — no more changing the clocks in Manitoba,” Kinew said. “Permanent daylight saving time is good for our health, good for business and good for parents.”
He noted the change means one less adjustment for families to deal with each spring and fall.
Manitoba joins several other provinces and territories that have adopted or are moving toward a permanent time, including British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The decision follows a survey in May in which nearly 72,000 votes were submitted. Of those surveyed, 92 percent wanted to see an end to seasonal time changes, with 58 percent preferring permanent DST and 34 percent voting to stay on standard time.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce welcomed the move, saying more evening daylight benefits restaurants, retailers, farmers and communities, while ending the twice-a-year clock change reduces friction for businesses working across provincial borders.
Health experts concluded that eliminating time changes would be better for population health than maintaining the status quo.
“Doctors strongly support ending the twice-yearly time change,” said Dr. Alon Altman, president of Doctors Manitoba, in a statement. “Research clearly shows that changing our clocks twice per year impacts our sleep and our health, with more heart attacks, injuries and mental health concerns.”
The province says it is working closely with organizations, businesses and industry partners to implement the change.
