Permanent Daylight Saving Time Begins in British Columbia
More than 5.6 million people in Canada will soon set their clocks forward for the last time.
British Columbia announced it will adopt permanent daylight saving time, ending the twice-yearly clock changes that mark the shift between daylight saving and standard time.
The change will take effect after clocks move forward on March 8. Residents will then remain on the same time year-round instead of setting clocks back in November.
The move does not apply to the United States, where lawmakers continue to debate whether the country should end seasonal time changes.
Why British Columbia Made the Change
The provincial government said the decision reflects strong public support and changing priorities about coordination with the United States.
In a statement explaining the shift, officials said, “Recent actions from the U.S. have shifted how B.C. approaches decisions that merit alignment, including on time zones.”
The government added that adopting permanent daylight saving time reflects “the current preferences and needs of British Columbians, and helps ensure the province is well-positioned to thrive, even when circumstances across the border evolve.”
British Columbia previously changed its clocks at the same time as neighboring U.S. states along the West Coast.
Public opinion also played a major role in the decision. In a 2019 survey conducted by the provincial government, 93% of respondents said they supported permanent daylight saving time.
Officials said ending the seasonal time change could improve health, reduce disruptions for families, simplify scheduling, and provide more evening daylight during winter months.
What the Change Means for Residents
After the March time change, residents and businesses will have several months to adjust before November arrives.
Normally, clocks would move back one hour in early November. This year they will stay the same.
British Columbia will continue using the name Pacific Time for its time zone.
During winter months, the province will align with regions that observe Mountain Standard Time, including neighboring Alberta. For the rest of the year, it will remain aligned with Pacific Standard Time observed in states such as California, Washington, and Oregon.
The shift effectively eliminates the twice-yearly clock adjustments that have long been part of daily life across North America.
Why the United States Has Not Made the Change
Although many Americans support ending the clock changes, the United States cannot adopt permanent daylight saving time without approval from Congress.
Federal law allows states to use permanent standard time, which is the system followed by Hawaii and most of Arizona. However, switching permanently to daylight saving time requires congressional authorization.
Over the past several years, lawmakers across the country have introduced hundreds of bills related to daylight saving time. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are currently 23 measures pending in at least 16 states as of 2026.
Some states favor permanent daylight saving time, while others support permanent standard time.
Eighteen states have passed laws or resolutions indicating they would move to permanent daylight saving time if Congress approves the change and, in some cases, if neighboring states adopt it as well.
Federal Efforts to Change U.S. Time Laws
Several federal proposals have attempted to eliminate seasonal clock changes. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States, passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House of Representatives. A revised version introduced in 2025 has also failed to advance.
Another proposal known as the Daylight Act of 2026 would move U.S. time zones forward by 30 minutes and keep them there permanently, creating a compromise between daylight saving and standard time.
Political leaders remain divided on the issue.
President Donald Trump has previously said he supports ending the time changes but has also expressed uncertainty.
“If something's a 50-50 issue, it's hard to get excited about it,” Trump said last year. “I assume people would like to have more light later, but some people want to have more light earlier, because they don't want to take their kids to school in the dark.”
The Health Debate Over Clock Changes
Medical researchers have long argued that switching clocks twice a year can negatively affect health.
Erik Herzog, a professor of biology and neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis and former president of the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, said the clock change disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm.
Circadian rhythms control sleep patterns and many other biological processes. Herzog said the spring shift, when clocks move forward one hour, can be particularly stressful for the body.
Studies have linked the transition to increases in heart attacks and car accidents. Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found car crashes rise by about 6% following the spring daylight saving change.
Many scientists believe permanent standard time would be healthier because it better aligns with natural sunlight cycles.
“The medical and scientific communities are unified ... that permanent standard time is better for human health,” Herzog told USA TODAY in 2024.
A Debate That Continues
For now, British Columbia will move ahead with permanent daylight saving time while the United States continues to debate the issue.
In the U.S., public opinion has increasingly favored ending seasonal clock changes. A Gallup poll conducted in January 2025 found that 54% of Americans want the practice eliminated.
Still, without federal action, most Americans will continue adjusting their clocks twice each year.
British Columbia’s decision highlights how one region has moved forward while neighboring jurisdictions remain tied to a decades-old system.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.