Here’s the latest on Alberta’s time change situation in 2026.
- Alberta plans to ditch the biannual clock changes and stay on daylight saving time year-round, a move often referred to as Alberta time. The province introduced legislation in April 2026 to end seasonal time changes and adopt permanent daylight time. This would mean no more clock adjustments in spring or fall, with evenings consistently brighter.[1][5]
- The proposal aligns with neighboring British Columbia’s recent decision to adopt permanent daylight time, and Alberta’s government signaled it would synchronize with western provinces on this approach. If enacted, Alberta would share the same time as B.C. year-round, while Saskatchewan would continue to be on its own standard time in winter and summer in unaffected zones, resulting in some time differences with other provinces depending on the season.[4][1]
- Public and health considerations are being debated. Some medical groups have cautioned about potential sleep and health impacts of permanent daylight time, while others cite convenience and extended evening daylight as benefits.[1]
Illustration
- Alberta would effectively have longer evenings during the winter, but mornings would be darker, since clocks wouldn’t shift back for standard time. In summer, the time difference to some eastern provinces would shrink or shift depending on their own daylight time practices.[1]
What to watch next
- Passage of the omnibus bill or any follow-up legislation in Alberta’s legislature to finalize “Alberta Time” and confirm the exact implementation date.[1]
- Any changes to cross-provincial coordination, especially with B.C. and Saskatchewan, which could influence travel, business, and scheduling across western Canada.[1]
Citations
- Alberta’s government announces plan to remain on daylight time year-round and table related legislation.[1]
- Coverage of Alberta’s move in conjunction with B.C. and the broader western Canada context.[7][4]