Daylight Saving Time is observed in most of Canada and the United States. It is also observed in many other countries across the world. In the spring, the clocks will go forwards one hour. In the fall, they go back an hour.
Why Daylight Saving Occurs and the Benefits
Most countries participate is Daylight Saving Time to make better use of the evening daylight. The extra hour of daylight is said to have many benefits including:
- reducing nighttime accidents while driving
- allowing children more time to play outdoors
- boosting tourism
- lowering energy costs
When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin?
It used to begin on the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October, but in 2006 those dates changes. Daylight Saving Time now begins three weeks earlier; on the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November.
For most of Canada, DST begins at 2:00 a.m. For Newfoundland and Labrador, it begins at 12:01 a.m.
What Provinces Participate in Daylight Saving Time
Most Canadian province participates in Daylight Saving Time. All of these provinces observe DST:
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- Yukon
- Nunavut
Some areas in British Columbia, like Fort St. John, Charlie Lake, Taylor and Dawson Creek do not observe DST.
Most of Saskatchewan does not follow DST either, with the exception of Denare Beach and Creighton.
The History of Daylight Saving Time
In 1784, Benjamin Franklin first suggested Daylight Saving Time. It was not until 1895, when entomologist George Vernon Hudson, from New Zealand, presented a proposal, that DST was actually considered.
William Willet, in 1905, presented the idea of advancing the clocks in the summer and two years later, his proposal made it into the House of Commons. In 1916, Daylight Saving Time was adopted and implemented by many European countries.
How to Remember Gaining or Losing an Hour for DST
There is a simple saying that can help you remember if you set the clocks back or ahead one hour during Daylight Saving Time:
“Spring ahead and Fall back”
If, of course, that verse escapes you and you need to know when to turn the clocks back or ahead, the friendly worldwide internet will help you find the answers you need! Or, if you are like the thousands of people out there who completely forget about DST, you will find out when you show up either one hour early or one hour late for work!
References:
TimeandDate.com. “What is Daylight Saving Time?” (accessed November 4, 2010).
TimeTemperature.com. “Daylight Saving Time in Canada” (accessed November 4, 2010).
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
Join the Conversation