British Columbia ends seasonal time changes

British Columbia has officially ended the practice of seasonal time changes, opting to remain on permanent daylight saving time. Following the last transition on March 8, 2026, the province will no longer revert to standard time in the autumn. Instead, most of the region will continue to use UTC-7 year-round.

Premier David Eby announced the decision, noting that the move aims to simplify daily routines and support economic stability. Attorney General Niki Sharma highlighted that eliminating biannual shifts reduces disruptions to sleep patterns and daily schedules for parents, shift workers, small businesses, and pet owners. The provincial government also noted that permanent summer time provides more daylight hours during winter evenings.

While a 2019 consultation showed 93 percent support for permanent daylight saving among participants, the change introduces a new time difference between British Columbia and its southern neighbors in the United States, who will continue to observe seasonal shifts. Business organizations have expressed concerns regarding the potential complications for companies operating on both sides of the Canadian-American border.