Bill to Make DST Permanent in Ontario Passes Third Reading

Jeremy Roberts, MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, has submitted a bill in October pleading for an end to the traditional practice of clock changing. This private members’ bill calls for an end to Daylight Saving Time has passed the third reading in the legislature. The Time Amendment Act (Bill 214) received unanimous support. As a result, the bill will be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. 

Roberts believes that Ontario is now on the lead to end the traditional practice of clock changing. However, Quebec and New York State have not yet passed any legislation, particularly for Daylight Saving Time. According to Roberts, he is looking forward to reaching out to these places' counterparts and getting them on board to support the said initiative.

Changing clocks annually provides adverse effects since it disturbs the circadian rhythm. As a result, people with irregular body clocks can experience trouble sleeping. Not only that, but they can have an increased risk of sleep disorders, depression, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Robert added that making Daylight Saving Time permanent can help in promoting retail activities. It is through giving more hours of evening daylight to consumers. Besides, a new survey shows that most Canadian respondents would love to make DST permanent. If that happens, there is no need to change clocks in the spring and fall, and DST will be observed in almost every province. 

If the Daylight Saving Time in Ontario becomes permanent, people don’t have to deal with the annual clock changes. Permanent DST also provides more benefits like a decrease in the risk of car accidents. Besides, more energy will be conserved since people’s active hours will coincide with the daylight hours. Although people’s opinions are different, Robert believes that the bill he submitted will spark a conversation among other places.