The End of Standard Time in Alberta?

That dreaded man-made phenomena of Daylight Savings Time (DST) is about to wreak havoc in our lives. On November 1^st, 2020 we lose an hour. This change in time will have many experiencing a shock to their bodies’ internal clock much like jet lag. Every year we see higher rates of depression, energy consumption, traffic fatalities, incidences of crime, and a steep decline in retail sales at this time of year. Many would like to see a stop to this disruptive bi-yearly practice that interferes with our daily lives.

There are more and more governments contemplating a move to stay on permanent summer hours, better known as DST in North America.

The Yukon is going to remain on DST year-round and B.C. has legislation in place to do the same. Many of the western US states have taken steps towards a year-round DST and the EU voted to abolish seasonal time changes by 2021. Even most of our neighbours in Saskatchewan to the east have kept the same time year-round since the 1950s.

The results of an Alberta Government public survey quantified that 91% of Albertans were in favour of not having to change their clocks twice a year and stick with DST. Last year a B.C. survey had more than 93% of British Columbians in favour of keeping summertime year-round.

Hopefully, we will find out soon if the Alberta Government decides on keeping DST so we won’t have to change our clocks and lose an hour. Contact your elected officials and demand that we keep the hour we gained this year, it may the only thing we can save this year.