Ontario could soon find itself out of step with shifting time policies in the United States as neighbouring jurisdictions stall on ending twice-yearly clock changes.
The province passed the Time Amendment Act in 2020, clearing the way to abandon seasonal time changes, but the law includes a binding condition that has prevented it from taking effect.
For Ontario’s shift to permanent standard time to proceed, both Quebec and the state of New York must adopt matching legislation.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently advanced federal legislation to end biannual time changes, signalling growing momentum south of the border.
Ontario’s act removes references to daylight time across multiple provincial statutes, with implementation set for a date named by proclamation of the lieutenant governor.
Provincial officials confirm the government’s position remains unchanged despite federal movement in the United States.
Quebec has shown little urgency despite strong public support for ending the practice.
A public consultation launched in 2024 drew more than 214,000 responses, with 91% favouring year-round standard time.
Citizens cited improved sleep, mental health, and economic considerations as key reasons for the change.
The provincial government says analysis of expert input from health and economic sectors is ongoing and has no immediate plans to introduce legislation.
New York has proposed multiple bills since 2019 but is only now reviewing a committee-level measure to standardize time permanently.
Current federal law permits states to opt out of daylight time but not to make it permanent, requiring congressional action for full adoption.
Elsewhere in Canada, Alberta has introduced legislation for permanent daylight time, with the Northwest Territories indicating it would follow.
Saskatchewan already observes permanent standard time, and British Columbia has committed to doing the same.
In the United States, Arizona and Hawaii have already ended clock changes, joined by territories including Puerto Rico and Guam.
At least 19 other U.S. states have pledged to adopt permanent time if federal law allows.
