We, the undersigned residents of British Columbia, respectfully request that the Government reconsider its decision to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time and instead implement permanent Standard Time.

While we support ending the biannual clock changes, we are deeply concerned that remaining on permanent Daylight Saving Time is not in the best interest of our children, our health, our communities, or many of our local industries.

1. Children’s Safety and Wellbeing
Under permanent Daylight Saving Time, many communities in British Columbia would experience sunrise as late as 8:30–9:00 a.m. during winter months. This would mean children traveling to school in extended darkness for a significant portion of the school year.

Parents are concerned about:

• Reduced visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
• Increased risk during morning commutes.
• The psychological impact of prolonged morning darkness.
• Morning light plays a crucial role in alertness, mood regulation, and learning readiness. Sending children to school before sunrise for months at a time is not aligned with their wellbeing.

2. Public Health and Circadian Rhythm
Medical and sleep experts widely support permanent Standard Time as the option most aligned with human circadian biology. Our bodies are designed to wake with the natural light of the morning. Permanent Daylight Saving Time would require many British Columbians to wake and begin their workday hours before sunrise throughout the winter.

This misalignment can contribute to:

• Sleep disruption
• Increased fatigue
• Mood disturbances
• Reduced productivity
• Public policy should reflect scientific understanding of health and biological rhythms, prioritizing long-term wellbeing over perceived convenience.

3. Impact on Daylight-Dependent Industries
Many businesses in British Columbia rely on early morning daylight to operate safely and efficiently, including:

• Construction
• Trades
• Agriculture
• Outdoor services
• For these industries, beginning work at 9:00 a.m. is often impractical and economically disruptive. Permanent Daylight Saving Time would force extended work in darkness during winter mornings, affecting safety, efficiency, and costs.

The Government has indicated that ending seasonal time changes would support families by avoiding disruptions to routines and biological rhythms. While we agree that eliminating clock changes is beneficial, permanent Daylight Saving Time may create new and ongoing disruptions for families working in daylight-dependent industries. When an 8-hour workday must still be completed, starting later in the morning to wait for daylight means finishing later in the evening. This reduces valuable family time, complicates childcare arrangements, and creates strain rather than stability. Instead of simplifying life for working families, permanent Daylight Saving Time risks shifting the burden in ways that are particularly difficult for those whose livelihoods depend on natural light.

4. A Balanced and Evidence-Based Approach
We support ending the clock changes. However, permanent Standard Time offers a safer, healthier, and more practical solution for British Columbia’s diverse communities and industries.

We respectfully request that the Government:

• Reconsider permanent Daylight Saving Time.
• Adopt permanent Standard Time instead.
• Conduct further public consultation with parents, educators, health professionals, and business sectors before final implementation.
• British Columbians deserve a time policy that supports safety, health, and economic practicality.

Sincerely.