EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally said the government was looking for public input on scrapping Daylight Saving Time. However, the government wants to hear the public’s thoughts on the overall practice of changing our clocks twice a year.
For the second time in two years, the Alberta government is asking for public input on the practice of Daylight Saving Time in the province.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced an online survey through which Albertans can share their thoughts on whether the province should continue to observe Daylight Saving Time.
This move, by Alberta’s UCP government, comes just two years after the province’s previous NDP government decided not to scrap Daylight Saving Time.
“We know people have strong opinions about changing their clocks twice a year and we want to hear them,” Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish said in a statement.
“As more Canadian provinces and territories, and some American states, are having discussions about this, it’s important that we hear from Albertans.”
The statement from Glubish points out that abolishing the twice-yearly time change is a move that’s becoming more widespread.
“The practice of changing our clocks twice a year is largely done only in western Europe and North America. Earlier this year, the EU voted to abolish seasonal time changes by 2021,” Glubish said in the statement.
“In North America, we’re seeing provincial and state governments table and pass legislation to do the same.
“It’s time for Alberta to have a serious conversation about this.”
The Alberta government’s online survey on DST will be open until Tuesday, Dec. 10.