As we once again embark on the biannual ritual of adjusting our clocks, it is also timely, no pun inferred, to seriously consider the pro/con benefits for this questionable exercise.
With the exception of most of Saskatchewan, the rest of Canada will be moving one hour forward after being on Standard Time for approximately 4 months. The change is often accompanied by some grumbles from those that will reluctantly have to forfeit the extra hour of rest they gained last November. While some of the initial reasons for Daylight Savings Time was related to energy savings as well as being able to enjoy more hours of natural light, those arguments are no longer of significance.
There are many countries around the world that have never adjusted their clocks and there are also many others that have abandoned time changes. With the European Union pushing forward in eliminating DST by 2021, giving each member country the option to stay permanently on either DST or standard time, countries have until April of 2020 to commit to a choice.
Although there have been times when those of us on this side of the Atlantic have reflected upon the value of our win/lose sleep adjustments, the discussion inevitably fizzles away. Considering how the practice of time change is losing its relevance around the world, perhaps it is time for Canada to have a meaningful discussion about the need for our dubious biannual exercise. Any politicians listening?
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