The Government of Yukon announced today that Yukon will end the practice of twice annual seasonal time changes. Following a motion brought forward in May 2017 by MLA Paolo Gallina, the government undertook public engagement on the possibility.
After Yukoners adjust their clocks on March 8, the territory will remain on Pacific Daylight Saving Time.
The recent seasonal time change survey drew more than 4,800 responses from Yukon people and organizations, with most in favour of putting an end to the practice.
The What We Heard report released today shows that 93 per cent of Yukoners who participated want seasonal time changes to stop. Of those, 70 per cent are in favour of permanent Pacific Daylight Saving Time.
Yukoners clearly want to see an end to seasonal time change and we are listening. The response to this engagement speaks to the importance of this issue for people. Thank you to everyone who took the time to voice an opinion. This helped our government make an informed decision for Yukon.
Premier Sandy Silver
The spring 2020 seasonal time change will go ahead as planned this Sunday, March 8. After that, Yukon will remain on Pacific Daylight Saving Time.
The engagement ran from January 6 to February 16 of this year. Among other things, Yukoners were asked whether they want to keep the twice-annual time change or permanently adopt a single time.
More than 4,800 organizations and individuals responded to the online survey. That’s 1,500 more than 2017’s engagement on cannabis, which was previously the highest. The government also received over 35 written and emailed submissions from a broad group of organizations and individuals from across the territory.
Many jurisdictions in western North America are reviewing how they set and observe time for a number of reasons, including public health, energy and the economy.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Jordan Jackle
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-667-5341
jordan.jackle@gov.yk.ca