Manitoba Adopts Permanent Daylight Time
Manitoba Adopts Permanent Daylight Time
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Under permanent daylight time, Manitoba’s sunrise would be about 5:20 a.m. and sunset 9:41 p.m. on June 21; on Dec. 21, sunrise would be as late as 9:24 a.m., with sunset at 5:30 p.m.
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The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said the change could benefit restaurants, retailers, farmers and communities through more evening daylight, while reducing scheduling friction for businesses operating across provincial borders.
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A Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care analysis concluded that eliminating seasonal clock changes would be better for population health than maintaining the current system, and the province said it is consulting organizations, businesses and industry partners on implementation.
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Premier Wab Kinew had previously supported permanent standard time because of the health benefits associated with brighter winter mornings, but the public survey’s results led the government to choose permanent daylight time instead.
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The Manitoba survey received nearly 72,000 votes, providing the numerical basis for the province’s decision to end seasonal clock changes.
Manitoba will stop switching clocks twice a year and stay on daylight saving time year-round starting November 1. Premier Wab Kinew announced the permanent shift after a public survey showed CBC that 92 percent of residents wanted an end to clock changes, with 58 percent backing permanent daylight time. The decision makes Manitoba the latest Canadian province to ditch the seasonal time swap.
Winter mornings will be notably darker under the new system. On December 21, the sun won't rise until 9:24 a.m., with sunset at 5:30 p.m. But summer evenings will stay bright much later — on June 21, sunset won't come until 9:41 p.m., giving businesses and families more daylight hours to enjoy.
A Surprising Flip From the Premier's Initial Stance
Wab Kinew had previously favored permanent standard time, believing brighter winter mornings would improve health and sleep. But the public survey's overwhelming results changed his mind. Nearly 72,000 residents voted, with a clear majority supporting year-round daylight time over the status quo. The government decided the public's preference outweighed the premier's earlier position.
Health Officials Say Winter Darkness Poses Risks
Sleep experts worry about the switch. CBC reported that Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, called for a rethink. He and other sleep researchers point out that darker winter mornings can disrupt body clocks and worsen mood disorders. A Manitoba Health analysis supported the switch overall, but acknowledged these trade-offs.
Business Leaders See Economic Benefits in Extra Evening Light
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said the change could boost restaurants, retailers, and local businesses. More evening daylight encourages people to spend time outdoors and shop later. Farmers also benefit — longer evenings mean more time to finish work before dark. Companies operating across provincial borders will no longer lose hours to time zone confusion every spring and fall.
Other Canadian Provinces Already Made the Leap
Manitoba joins a growing list of provinces ditching the clock change. Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon have already adopted or are moving toward permanent time systems. The trend reflects a North American shift away from the twice-yearly ritual, which many experts and residents now view as outdated and disruptive.
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