British Columbia to Permanently Adopt Daylight Saving Time
British Columbia residents will set their clocks forward one final time this Sunday, March 8, 2026, as the province prepares to permanently observe daylight saving time. The move, announced Monday, aims to simplify life for families and businesses and foster economic stability. This decision marks a significant shift for the province and brings it in line with the Yukon Territory.
Premier David Eby explained that the change is intended “to facilitate life for families, reduce disruptions for businesses and families and support a stable and prosperous economy.” The decision comes after years of debate and public consultation, with officials noting overwhelming support for ending the twice-yearly time changes.
According to government officials, 93% of the 223,000 individuals and organizations in British Columbia who participated in public consultations in 2019 favored abandoning the practice of changing clocks. The change offers more stability and reduces disruptions for parents, shift workers, slight businesses, and pet owners, according to Attorney General Niki Sharma.
Following the time change this weekend, British Columbia will align with the Yukon’s time zone. From November to March, the province will share a time zone with Alberta. Throughout the rest of the year, British Columbia will remain one hour behind Washington, Oregon, and California.
Individuals and businesses have eight months to prepare for the elimination of the next scheduled time change, which had been slated for November 1, 2026. Eby expressed optimism that neighboring U.S. States would join British Columbia in ending the disruptive practice of changing clocks. More details on the change are available from TVA Nouvelles.
La Presse reports that residents will advance their clocks one hour this Sunday for the last time.
The new time zone for British Columbia, known as Pacific Time (PT), will now be aligned with the Yukon. Radio-Canada provides additional information on the new time zone. The move underscores the province’s commitment to aligning with regional standards and simplifying timekeeping for its residents.
