Ontario northwest moving to permanent daylight time to align with Manitoba
Greg Rickford says overwhelming consensus among municipalities and First Nations backs the change. Regulatory amendment set for Nov. 1.
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Ontario is moving its northwest region to permanent daylight time to align with Manitoba, ending the twice-annual clock changes that have divided the province.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford said there is overwhelming consensus among municipalities, First Nations, and businesses to make the time change permanent. Ontario intends to amend the Time Act on Nov. 1, allowing regions west of the 90th meridian to adopt daylight time year-round in the central time zone.
The shift follows Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew's announcement last month that the province would stop twice-annual clock changes and remain on daylight time year-round. The move leaves Manitoba one hour ahead of other Prairie provinces rather than aligned with them.
Canada's time zones have grown increasingly fragmented as provinces pursue permanent daylight or standard time independently. British Columbia announced in March it was moving to permanent Pacific Daylight Time. Alberta switched to permanent daylight time this year—what it calls "Alberta time"—meaning it now shares the same time as Saskatchewan year-round.
The regulatory change requires approval but the province has not yet confirmed a specific effective date if the Nov. 1 amendment passes.
Which specific Ontario municipalities and First Nations support the change?
If the Nov. 1 amendment is approved, when would the time shift take effect?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
