Manitobans will no longer have to adjust their clocks twice a year. Premier Wab Kinew announced today that the province will move to permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), following strong public support for ending seasonal time changes.
Under the new policy, clocks will not be turned back one hour on Nov. 1, meaning Manitoba will remain on daylight saving time year-round. The province joins several other jurisdictions across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, that have adopted or are considering permanent time arrangements.
The decision follows a public consultation launched in May, which drew nearly 72,000 responses. According to the province, 92 per cent of participants supported ending the twice-yearly clock changes. Among those surveyed, 58 per cent preferred permanent DST, while 34 per cent favoured staying on standard time year-round.
Kinew said the change will benefit families, businesses and overall public health. He noted that seasonal clock changes can disrupt sleep patterns and daily routines, particularly for children and parents.
The business community has also welcomed the move. Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Loren Remillard said more evening daylight can support restaurants, retailers, farmers and local communities, while eliminating the clock change provides greater predictability for businesses operating across provincial borders.
The province also cited an analysis by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, which concluded that eliminating seasonal time changes would be more beneficial for population health than maintaining the current system.
The Manitoba government says it is now working with businesses and industry partners to implement the transition to permanent daylight saving time.
