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N.W.T. to follow Alberta in ditching clock changes, adopting permanent daylight time

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • April 21, 2026

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson looks on before a Council of the Federation meeting in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Simpson says the N.W.T is following the decision of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, in adopting year-round daylight time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

YELLOWKNIFE -- Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson says the territory will follow Alberta's lead in ditching twice-a-year clock changes.

Simpson says residents have previously supported the idea of having one year-round time and that keeping the territory in line with Alberta makes the most sense.

"This practical, forward-looking decision reflects what many people across the Canada have been calling for," Simpson said in a statement.

"Northerners in particular have been clear on this issue: through public engagement, a majority of N.W.T. residents expressed support for ending seasonal time change and moving to a year-round time."

That engagement survey in 2022, with results published the following year, did however show residents were split when it came to which time -- daylight or standard -- they wanted.

It found 87 per cent of respondents wanted to stop changing their clocks no matter what, and just over 53 per cent supported permanent daylight time.

Alberta announced Monday that it would soon table legislation to adopt year-round daylight time.

It's been a hotly-contested topic in the province. A referendum held five years ago about moving to permanent daylight time failed by a razor-thin margin.

Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said British Columbia's decision last month to adopt year-round daylight time -- combined with Saskatchewan sticking to one time year-round -- meant Alberta didn't really have any other choice.

"We were of the opinion it was time to stop talking about it and to take some action and get 'er done," Nally said.

Alberta and the N.W.T. share the same time zone, and Simpson previously said the territory would only make the switch if its southern neighbour did too.

Simpson said the change in the territory would happen after Alberta puts its plan in legislation, expected later this week.

Simpson said staying year-round on the same time will require working with other jurisdictions and industry to ensure a smooth transition.

"That includes developing a clear timeline, working with partners, and giving residents, businesses, and service providers the time they need to prepare," he said.

"Taking this step alongside Alberta allows us to do that work more efficiently and with fewer disruptions."

This report by was first published April 21, 2026.

-- By Jack Farrell in Edmonton