N.W.T. to follow Alberta in ditching clock changes, adopting permanent daylight time
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
YELLOWKNIFE – Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson says the territory will follow Alberta’s lead in ditching twice-a-year clock changes.
Simpson says residents have previously supported the idea of having one year-round time and that keeping the territory in line with Alberta makes the most sense.
“This practical, forward-looking decision reflects what many people across the Canada have been calling for,” Simpson said in a statement.
“Northerners in particular have been clear on this issue: through public engagement, a majority of N.W.T. residents expressed support for ending seasonal time change and moving to a year-round time.”
That engagement survey in 2022, with results published the following year, did however show residents were split when it came to which time — daylight or standard — they wanted.
It found 87 per cent of respondents wanted to stop changing their clocks no matter what, and just over 53 per cent supported permanent daylight time.
Alberta announced Monday that it would soon table legislation to adopt year-round daylight time.
It’s been a hotly-contested topic in the province. A referendum held five years ago about moving to permanent daylight time failed by a razor-thin margin.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said British Columbia’s decision last month to adopt year-round daylight time — combined with Saskatchewan sticking to one time year-round — meant Alberta didn’t really have any other choice.
“We were of the opinion it was time to stop talking about it and to take some action and get ‘er done,” Nally said.
Alberta and the N.W.T. share the same time zone, and Simpson previously said the territory would only make the switch if its southern neighbour did too.
Simpson said the change in the territory would happen after Alberta puts its plan in legislation, expected later this week.
Simpson said staying year-round on the same time will require working with other jurisdictions and industry to ensure a smooth transition.
“That includes developing a clear timeline, working with partners, and giving residents, businesses, and service providers the time they need to prepare,” he said.
“Taking this step alongside Alberta allows us to do that work more efficiently and with fewer disruptions.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2026.
— By Jack Farrell in Edmonton