Northwest Territories to End Time Change, Follow Alberta’s Year-Round Clock Plan

The Northwest Territories has announced plans to eliminate seasonal clock changes and adopt a consistent year-round time standard, aligning with a similar move by Alberta.

Premier R.J. Simpson confirmed the decision Monday, stating the territory will move forward with ending the long-standing practice of switching between standard time and daylight saving time twice a year.

Following Alberta’s Lead

The announcement comes after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signaled her government’s intention to keep the province on daylight saving time permanently, meaning clocks would no longer “fall back” each autumn.

Although Alberta’s change has yet to be finalized in legislation, it is not expected to face significant opposition. The Northwest Territories had previously indicated it would wait for Alberta to act before making a similar move due to economic and logistical ties between the jurisdictions.

Public Support in the North

Premier Simpson said the decision reflects strong public support across the territory.

“Through public engagement, a majority of residents expressed support for ending seasonal time changes and moving to a year-round time,” he said, noting that northerners have consistently called for a more stable time system.

A 2022 territorial survey found that 87 per cent of respondents supported eliminating the twice-yearly clock change, although opinions were split on whether to adopt permanent daylight saving time or standard time.

Regional Shift Underway

The move aligns the Northwest Territories with a growing trend across western Canada. Yukon adopted permanent daylight saving time in 2020, while British Columbia transitioned to a year-round system earlier this year.

While officials have not confirmed whether the Northwest Territories will adopt permanent daylight saving time specifically, it is widely considered the most likely option given regional alignment.

Implementation Timeline Pending

The territorial government has not yet announced a timeline for implementing the change. Previous estimates suggested it could take up to a year to coordinate adjustments across systems, businesses, and services.

“This shift will require careful coordination across jurisdictions, industry, and the technology systems we rely on,” Simpson said. “Taking this step alongside Alberta allows us to do that work more efficiently and with fewer disruptions.”

Looking Ahead

Officials say planning will begin immediately to ensure a smooth transition, including consultations with stakeholders and the development of a clear implementation schedule.

The move marks a significant shift in how time is managed in the North, aimed at better reflecting modern work patterns and reducing the disruption associated with seasonal clock changes.