Ford says now not the time to tinker with clock change ahead of Daylight Saving Time

We’re springing the clocks ahead this weekend, but is the time right to end the bi-yearly time change? Premier Doug Ford doesn’t seem to think so.

“No, I think we'll stick with the daylight saving time, just be like the rest of North America,” Ford said in Barrie, Ont. Friday.

In November 2020, the Ontario legislature — with the support of the Ford government — passed lawmaking that would end the bi-annual changing of the clock, setting Ontario permanently on daylight saving time.

While the bill received royal assent, it has yet to be proclaimed into law because it was contingent on New York and Quebec making the exact change — something those jurisdictions have not done to date.

Many of those in favour of DST and against changing the clocks twice a year put forth arguments, such as helping to prevent an uptick in vehicle collisions, better sleep patterns and other health benefits — such as saving energy. Similarly, many of those in favour of keeping DST intact have argued that it ensures brighter mornings.

If Ontario moves to permanent daylight saving time, cities like Toronto and Ottawa wouldn’t see dawn break until about 8:45 a.m. in December and January.

“It’s nice to have those long days now. It’s nice to get out there. As we go through the summer, we can spend more time outside,” Ford said.

In Ontario, changing the clocks twice a year started in 1918. Currently, it is up to provinces and territories to determine adherence to DST, which most still do. British Columbia has already decided to stick with daylight time but is waiting on states to the south to do the same.

Yukon decided last year to no longer make seasonal changes and now follows its standard time zone. Saskatchewan doesn’t change its clocks whatsoever.

Last year, Albertans voting in a referendum narrowly rejected a switch to permanent daylight time.

Daylight Saving Time will be in place until November 6, 2022 — on which date clocks will “fall back.”