Ontario MPP pushing to make Daylight Savings Time permanent

Oct 7 2020, 8:56 pm

We may not have to “fall back” on November 1, Ontario.

A new private members’ bill has been tabled at the Ontario legislature, the first step in potentially making Daylight Savings Time permanent. This may mean no more bi-annual clock changing and more hours of daylight year-round.

Bill 214, Time Amendment Act, has already passed its first reading at Queen’s Park.

“Ontarian’s are sick of this outdated practice that comes with serious consequences for our health. My new bill would end this practice,” tweeted Jeremy Roberts, MPP for Ottawa West – Nepean, following the tabling of the bill.

If the bill passes, it will only take effect if Quebec and New York State pass similar legislation.

“Let’s work together with our neighbours and stop wasting time,” he tweeted.

A statement released by Roberts’ office claims that academic studies have shown that “bi-annual clock changes can cause serious negative effects, such as increased depression rates, heart attacks, strokes and high numbers of fatal collisions.”

The increase in daylight would cause more people to shop, it says.

“People are tired of watching the sun set while they’re at work,” said Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orléans.

Lalonde introduced the Sunshine Protection Act last year, which similarly called for the permanent Daylight Savings Time.

The controversial clock-changing practice is practiced in less than 40% of countries around the world according to timeanddate.com. In Canada, the Yukon and parts of Saskatchewan, Québec, and British Columbia don’t use DST, instead remaining on standard year-round.

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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