Quebec Adjusts Clocks for Daylight Saving Time This Weekend
This weekend marks the start of daylight saving time (DST) across Canada. Clocks will jump forward one hour from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. While this may mean a loss of sleep for many, it also signifies longer evenings and the approach of spring.
Daylight Saving Time in Canada
Daylight saving time has been observed in Canada since the late 1960s. The practice involves moving the clock ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and reversing that change on the first Sunday in November.
Quebec’s Ambiguous Stance on DST
In 2020, Ontario passed a bill to remain on DST indefinitely. However, this bill would only take effect if Quebec and New York also enacted similar measures. Despite a strong preference among Quebec residents for a year-round DST, there has been little progress toward changing the current system.
- 91% of Quebecers oppose biannual clock changes
- 75% prefer making daylight saving time permanent
In September 2025, Quebec’s Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette indicated that no legislative action was imminent regarding DST changes. He stated, “No decision has yet been made.”
Current Status of Daylight Saving Time in Canada
Most regions in Canada participate in DST, with notable exceptions including:
- Parts of Saskatchewan
- Certain areas in Ontario
- Some locations in British Columbia
In 2020, Yukon established permanent daylight saving time. Conversely, Alberta held a referendum in 2021, where just over half of participants chose to continue adjusting clocks biannually.
Health Concerns Related to DST
Health experts have raised concerns about the effects of changing clocks. The Canadian Sleep Research Consortium reported that the practice can disrupt individuals’ internal biological clocks, affecting their health and well-being. They highlighted the disconnect between our natural circadian rhythms and the conventional time changes.
As Canadians prepare to adjust their clocks, many advocate for eliminating seasonal time changes altogether. The ongoing conversation about daylight saving time reveals a significant desire among the public for a more consistent and health-conscious approach to timekeeping.
