The last spring forward ever for British Columbia is just days away, and residents across the province have been vocal about the news that B.C. will soon adopt permanent year-round daylight saving time (DST).
Premier David Eby announced on Monday, March 2, that the change after clocks move forward an hour this weekend will improve health, reduce disruptions for families, and allow for an extra hour of light during winter evenings.
Since the news about the time change was announced, lots of conversations and reactions have ensued on social media, including from provincial leaders across the country.
Government of B.C.
In a statement to Daily Hive, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the move by B.C., along with Saskatchewan’s long-standing decision not to observe the time change, raises questions about consistency across Western Canada.
“With B.C. announcing this change today, both our neighbours to the west and east — British Columbia and Saskatchewan — will no longer have a time change. B.C. will now be using year-round daylight saving time, and Saskatchewan uses year-round standard time. This raises the question of whether Alberta should also move to end the time change to create consistency across the western provinces.”
“Our government will take these recent developments under consideration and evaluate whether a similar change would be in the best interest of Albertans.”
Urban Napflin/Shutterstock
B.C. residents discussed the move to permanent daylight time, and the end of clock changes, online, with many firmly on one side or the other of the timely debate.
“Permanent DST is the stupidest idea ever conceived,” said MD* in an email to Daily Hive. “This messes with our circadian rhythms. Just wait till next winter, when it’s pitch dark outside at 9 a.m. in the morning. Then everyone will be screaming blue murder to change the clocks back to Standard Time.”
Another reader, MJ*, responded by saying that the time change was the right call by the provincial government.
“I am thankful that we will no longer be switching our clocks back and forth. A wonderful common-sense decision made by our government,” added MJ.
New Africa/Shutterstock
“A win is a win, no matter which party makes it,” shared BD*. “Glad to ditch the clock resets once and for all.”
“Wonderful, it’s gonna be dark until 9 a.m. in December and January now,” commented D*. “What a great idea… not!”
Yes! I’m glad this is finally moving forward. Thank you.
— Adam (@adam_graham) March 2, 2026
This is going to lead to poor health. People need to see the sun before they go to work.
— Lyle Henderson (@LyleHender56329) March 3, 2026
According to the Government of B.C., residents and businesses will have eight months to prepare for the transition to take place on Nov. 1, when clocks would usually be moved back.
That date will usher in the beginning of B.C.’s new time zone called Pacific time, which will be set seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7).
The Government of B.C. also highlighted other important facets of the adoption of permanent daylight saving time:
Pacific time will be aligned with the Yukon year-round.
Pacific time will match Alberta and other regions observing mountain standard time from November until March.
Pacific time will align with California, Washington, Oregon, and other Pacific daylight time jurisdictions from March until November
Regulation will bring the amendments into effect after Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The change will also have an effect on hockey-watching habits for fans of the Vancouver Canucks, and not just for road games.
Bob Frid/Imagn Images
Between 60 and 70 per cent of the NHL’s regular season is typically played when most of the continent is observing standard time. Next season, that’ll be from Nov. 1, 2026, to Mar. 14, 2027, which is when fans in B.C. will see a change.
Instead of games starting at 4 or 4:30 p.m. when the Canucks play on the road against Eastern Conference teams, they’ll start at 5 or 5:30 p.m.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Canucks will now play games that start at 8 or 8:30 p.m. when they travel to Seattle, San Jose, Los Angeles, or Anaheim.
Some games at Rogers Arena will be affected as well.
Are you in support of this move to a permanent daylight saving time? Did you like the twice-yearly clock changes, or do you feel that British Columbia would be better served by shifting to standard time? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vancouver@dailyhive.com.
*Initials were used to protect identities