The Government of Alberta has introduced legislation that would move the province to permanent daylight saving time, effectively ending the biannual clock changes. The bill, titled the Alberta Time Act, was tabled in the legislature on April 23, 2026, by the Minister of Service Alberta.
Legislation Details
The proposed law would keep Alberta on daylight saving time year-round, meaning clocks would not fall back in autumn. However, the change would only take effect once neighboring jurisdictions, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and U.S. states like Montana and Idaho, also adopt permanent daylight time. This condition is intended to avoid time zone confusion for businesses and travelers.
Support and Criticism
Premier Danielle Smith expressed support for the move, stating that Albertans have long complained about the disruption caused by changing clocks twice a year. A 2021 referendum showed 50.2% of Albertans favored adopting permanent daylight time, though the vote was non-binding. Critics argue that the condition tied to other jurisdictions could delay implementation indefinitely, and some health experts warn that permanent daylight time could lead to darker winter mornings, affecting sleep and safety.
Next Steps
The bill will now proceed to committee hearings and further debate. If passed, Alberta would join Yukon and Saskatchewan, which already observe permanent time zones. The government aims to align with U.S. efforts, as the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight time permanent nationally, has stalled in Congress.
