It is time for a change – in more than one way!
Spring officially starts March 20 at 8:46 a.m. Mountain daylight time.
Yes, it was also a time to spring ahead – changing our clocks to daylight time (commonly called daylight savings time) on March 8 – to extend the time of daylight per day to enjoy the outdoors.
While the high accumulation of snow has been welcomed over the winter for farmers and forests, many people have long looked forward to the end of winter. It is what people look forward to after almost four long months of winter.
When people in Alberta change their clocks, perhaps it was the last time they will have to do it.
British Columbia will remain on daylight time – Premier David Eby announced March 2.
Days later, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced she and the government would consider following its West Coast neighbour.
Perhaps the issue of permanent daylight time will be the 10th question in a provincial referendum set for Oct. 19?
The Government of Alberta asked the question in a referendum on Oct. 18, 2021 during local government elections.
Daylight time has been around for more than 100 years. It was introduced to take advantage of added daylight.
Days after B.C. announced its intention, news media assessed the issue. Health experts say standard time would be better for people’s, health, body and mind.
Changing time has its disadvantages. Good sleep patterns can be hindered during the sometimes difficult adjustment to time changes.
Vehicle collisions increase in the weeks following a change to daylight time.
Many areas around the world have been on permanent daylight savings time for years. Saskatchewan has been on permanent daylight time for decades.
However, it hasn’t worked in all areas around the world. Russia was on permanent daylight time from 2011-14. It proved unpopular because of the extremely late winter sunrises, so it switched permanently to standard time.
However, the change to permanent daylight time is popular in Turkey. The energy and natural resources minister says the practice saves millions in energy costs and reduces depression and anxiety levels associated with short exposure to daylight.
Many Canadians have long talked about an end to changing clocks twice a year. Some say it’s a bother. How difficult can it be to change clocks and watches – especially in this time of technology? Time on most electronic devices and computers automatically changes.
Who really knows how permanent daylight time will affect people and life in B.C. after one or two years?
Maybe if it causes problems, the government can always consider changing to permanent standard time.
Everyone will have to wait. Only time will tell.
Richard Froese