Alberta's Bill 31 Aims for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The Alberta government has tabled legislation aimed at eliminating biannual clock changes, seeking to establish a permanent daylight saving time with the introduction of Bill 31, officially known as the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2026.

Presented by Dale Nally, the bill aims to create consistent timekeeping for residents. Should it pass, Alberta will maintain Mountain Daylight Time year-round, eliminating the necessity of adjusting clocks every spring and fall.

Officials indicate that the proposal reflects extensive public consultation over the years. Various stakeholders, including businesses, transportation authorities, agricultural representatives, and sports groups, contributed feedback, with many favoring a uniform time system instead of the biannual adjustments.

Nally acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the health and safety implications associated with time changes, such as their effects on sleep and road safety, yet noted that many residents desire stability. He stressed that people prefer a straightforward system without the hassle of resetting clocks constantly.

If enacted, Alberta would adopt a new local time, informally called “Alberta Time,” aligning more closely with neighboring Saskatchewan, which observes a stable time policy throughout the entire year.

The provincial government aims to work with international timekeeping bodies to facilitate a smooth transition, which will include modifications to worldwide time zone databases and adjustments for electronic devices currently set to auto-switch.

This proposal follows similar considerations in other provinces, including British Columbia, which is also exploring the possibility of abandoning seasonal time shifts. Coordinating with neighboring regions will be essential to mitigate any potential discrepancies in time that could impact travel and business.

Despite governmental efforts, the proposal has sparked discussions among critics who recall that a previous 2021 referendum revealed limited support for a permanent daylight saving system, with a slight majority opposing it. Opposition figures express concerns regarding whether the new bill aligns with prior public sentiment.

The legislation is set for further debate in the provincial assembly, where lawmakers will evaluate the merits of consistent timekeeping alongside the reservations expressed by detractors. If approved, Alberta would join a growing number of regions globally examining permanent time frameworks aimed at enhancing time consistency and operational efficiency.