| Edmonton,
AB, Canada: Alberta
intends to put some extra spring in its step as it falls
in with changes extending daylight saving time. The
move will require a legislative amendment to the
Daylight Saving Time Act, which will be introduced
in the spring sitting of the Alberta Legislature.
Beginning in 2007, if the legislation passes, Albertans
will spring ahead the second Sunday in March, three
weeks earlier than now. Additionally we will fall back
the first Sunday in November, one week later than now.
Alberta is the fourth province to make the shift
since the United States government decided to extend
daylight saving time as part of an energy bill passed in
August 2005.
"It is important for Alberta that we maintain our
competitive advantage by coordinating time changes with
our major trading partner," said Ron Stevens, Minister
of Justice and Attorney General. "It is also important
that we do what we can as a province to assist with
conserving energy. Extended daylight hours means more
natural light is available during waking hours, reducing
the need for people to use artificial light. "
Stevens also noted Transport Canada has advised that
the extra hours of daylight would likely reduce
pedestrian and motor vehicle occupant fatalities and
injuries. Transport Canada cites the highest frequency
of pedestrian injuries occur between the hours of 5 p.m.
and 8 p.m.
Prior to introducing the legislation, Alberta Justice
- the ministry responsible for the Act - consulted all
ministries and relevant stakeholders including the
agriculture, education, energy, finance and
transportation sectors. The overwhelming decision among
stakeholders was to synchronize with the United States.
For example, the finance sector
noted that banking, money market and investment
operations deal with Toronto and New York based
institutions everyday, and already face deadlines for
settling transactions based on the hours banks and other
financial institutions close in the east. Stakeholders
in the agricultural sector suggested that coordinating
time changes would be helpful in the transportation of
live animals and perishable food at border crossings.
The transportation industry expressed concern over the
impact on flight schedules if other jurisdictions do not
implement the time change. |
