B.C.'s premier is celebrating the move to permanent daylight time, but not everyone is on board. Critics argue that it's out of sync with Pacific states in the U.S., disrupts sleep patterns, and poses safety risks for children and pedestrians. Premier David Eby announced the change on Monday, stating that it's about making life easier for families and supporting a thriving economy. However, the decision has sparked debate. Permanent daylight time means late sunrises in winter, with Victoria seeing sunrises at 9 a.m. or later and northern communities like Prince George at 10 or 10:30 a.m. The provincial government, under former premier John Horgan, passed legislation in 2019 but waited to coordinate with Washington, Oregon, and California. These states continue to change their clocks, and any changes require U.S. congressional approval. Eby announced the end of the wait, but the Canadian Federation of Independent Business warns of confusion and disruption due to the lack of coordination. Sleep experts from Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia have expressed concerns, citing increased risks of health issues associated with reduced sleep. Dr. Wendy Hall, a sleep expert, calls it a 'major experiment' and advocates for year-round standard time. The move has also been criticized as a distraction from the province's $13-billion deficit, with the Conservative finance critic, Peter Milobar, questioning the timing and priorities of the government.
