Ending seasonal time change could help business, but not enough for universal support

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — There are potential economic benefits to ending seasonal time changes, but not enough for British Columbia’s move to have drawn complete support from the business community.

The province’s move to make daylight savings permanent, without co-ordination with neighbouring U.S. states, has led the B.C. Chamber of Commerce to voice support while the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has raised concerns.

Along with the potential health benefits of ending future time changes, the B.C. chamber cites reducing scheduling disruptions, workforce fatigue and the administrative burden as reasons for the move.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, meanwhile, says the unilateral move is an unwelcome distraction that will make it more difficult to attract and retain businesses in the province.

Mark Kamstra, a finance professor at York University’s Schulich School of Business, says the debate shows why it has taken so long for policy changes to happen on daylight savings.

He says changing the clocks does lead to health issues, fatigue and even more market volatility, but that it’s much easier to stay with the status quo and not take the first leap, given the potential criticism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3rd, 2026.

The Canadian Press