It’s Time to Stop Changing the Clocks: Schuler
OAKBANK — As Manitobans prepare to lose one hour of sleep this weekend, Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler has introduced Bill 214, the Official Time Amendment Act, to end the outdated and disruptive practice of seasonal time changes.
“With neighbouring provinces like Saskatchewan already on a year-round daylight time, British Columbia announcing that this will be their last year of ‘springing forward’, and Alberta looking to follow suit, there has never been a more advantageous time to make this change,” said Schuler, noting that the Yukon has also adopted a year-round standard. “Manitobans are tired of losing an hour of sleep and gaining nothing in return.”
If passed, the province will move to permanent daylight time effective Mar. 14, 2027.
That means Manitoba will always be one hour ahead of Saskatchewan and two hours ahead of British Columbia year round. Until Ontario also makes the switch, cities like Toronto and Ottawa would be one hour ahead of Winnipeg in the summer and the same time in the winter.
Under current legislation, Manitoba’s move depends on neighbouring jurisdictions making the same change. Schuler’s amendments would remove that barrier, allowing Manitoba to lead instead of waiting for others to act.
“When I introduced this bill last year, which would’ve been effective as of this Sunday, the Kinew government did not support it,” said Schuler. “Hopefully with the bipartisan adoption in the rest of Western Canada, Manitoba can finally leave this outdated practice in the past.”
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