Debate Over Seasonal Time Changes Intensifies as Maritimers Prepare to Fall Back
As Nova Scotia prepares to set clocks back on November 1, a debate continues over seasonal time changes. While several Canadian provinces and territories move toward permanent daylight time, experts argue that year-round standard time is biologically preferable.
Maritimers are preparing to set their clocks back one hour on November 1, reigniting a national debate over the necessity of seasonal time changes. In Nova Scotia, clocks will fall back at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, as the province remains one of those holding out against eliminating the twice-yearly adjustment.
While Nova Scotia maintains the change, other jurisdictions are moving in a different direction. As of Nov. 1, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories will no longer turn their clocks back an hour, choosing instead to remain on daylight time. These regions join Saskatchewan and Yukon, which already stay on daylight time year-round.
The shift has prompted discussion among residents, some of whom advocate for permanent daylight time or no change at all. However, expert Patricia Lakin-Thomas argues that staying on daylight time permanently is not the answer. According to Lakin-Thomas, adopting standard time year-round would be a better option and is biologically superior to permanent daylight saving time.
Lakin-Thomas notes that people living in places on daylight saving time year-round will not see the sun in winter until 9 a.m. This would result in commuting and school routines taking place in total darkness during the winter months.
Switching back-and-forth between time standards disrupts circadian rhythms. The impacts are particularly noticeable among children, who experience exhaustion for about two weeks while adjusting to the time change.
Internationally, similar debates have shaped policy. Switzerland continues to change its clocks twice a year because it must align with the rest of Europe and the EU.