MP Lalonde Pushes for Permanent Time, Ending Daylight Saving in Canada

Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde is pushing for Canada to adopt a single, permanent time by doing away with daylight savings time altogether. The biannual clock change, which has been a contentious issue in Canada for years, will see most Canadians 'fall back' on November 1, 2023, with clocks rolling back in the early morning hours of November 2, 2023.

Lalonde is introducing a private member's bill to scrap the daylight savings time practice. The MP is not alone in her stance; politicians in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario have previously advocated for ending the time change. Despite the debate, daylight savings time has been a part of life in most of Canada for over a century.

The upcoming end of daylight savings time on November 2, 2023, serves as a reminder for Canadians to adjust their clocks back one hour. To avoid confusion, it's recommended to double-check clocks on that day to ensure accuracy and prevent showing up to work an hour early on Monday.

While some provinces like the Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and certain areas in British Columbia and Quebec remain on standard time year-round, most Canadians will experience the time change. Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, a neurology professor, has linked daylight savings time to increased risks of various health issues, including stroke, heart attack, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Lalonde's bill, if passed, could see Canada adopt a single, permanent time by opting out of daylight savings time. This change could potentially mitigate the health risks associated with the biannual clock change, but it remains to be seen whether the bill will gain enough support to become law.