Understanding the Daylight Saving Time Change in Quebec
The End of Daylight Saving Time
As the summer season comes to an end, Quebecers can expect a change in time to occur soon. This shift, known as the end of daylight saving time, not only requires adjusting our clocks but also has significant implications for our daily routines. In this report, we will explore the details of the upcoming time change in Quebec and discuss its significance for the months ahead.
The Time Change Date in 2023
According to the website Time and Date, daylight saving time officially began in Canada on March 12 at 3 a.m. This period will come to an end on the night of Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at 2 a.m., allowing Quebecers to enjoy an extra hour during their weekend. On this occasion, the sunrise will be at 6:39 a.m., and the sunset will occur at 4:36 p.m. It is important to note that as the days progress, the duration of daylight will continue to shorten until the winter solstice on December 22nd, which will be the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight hours in Quebec.
The Purpose of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time involves advancing clocks, timepieces, and devices in anticipation of the warmer months, and then reverting them back when autumn arrives. The primary goal of this practice, as outlined by the website TechTarget, is to maximize the utilization of daylight hours. It is essential to recognize that the concept of time adjustment is not universal and varies across different regions of the world. Daylight saving time was first observed in Canada in 1908 and has been in use for the past 115 years.
Provinces in Canada that Observe the Time Change
According to the National Research Council of Canada, the observance of daylight saving time in the country is determined by provincial legislation. The provinces and territories in Canada that observe the time change include Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. However, it is worth mentioning that certain regions within these provinces may choose not to participate in daylight saving time, such as Chetwynd, Creston, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, and Fort St. John in British Columbia. On the other hand, while most of Saskatchewan does not observe daylight saving time, specific locations like Creighton and Denare Beach do adjust their clocks. It is also important to note that the Yukon made daylight saving time permanent on March 8, 2020.
The Impact of the Time Change on the Population
According to an article from Global News, researchers from the University of Turku in Finland have indicated that the risk of stroke and heart attack increases by 7% after a time change. Canadian researchers also explain that the time change can lead to a “social jet lag,” resulting in sleep disorders, fatigue, mental and physical tiredness, and potential metabolic issues. Wendy Hall, a researcher, nurse, and professor at the University of British Columbia, has explained that people tend to be less active in the evening and may experience increased depressive symptoms due to the earlier sunset.
Looking Ahead: Daylight Saving Time in 2024
In 2024, Quebecers will need to set their clocks forward on March 10th to fully embrace the extended daylight hours during the summer season, and this schedule will be in effect until the fall of that year. For more information on the topic, you can visit the Government of Canada‘s webpage on daylight saving time.
As we prepare for the end of daylight saving time in 2023, it is important to acknowledge the impact it may have on our daily lives. While adjusting our clocks may seem like a minor inconvenience, the effects on our health and well-being should not be disregarded. It is crucial to prioritize self-care during this transition period and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and healthy adaptation to the changing time.
Stay informed, stay aware, and take care of yourself, Quebec!
<< photo by Nathan Dumlao >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
