News Release

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2005

TORONTO — Ontarians will be changing their clocks on different dates in the spring and fall as the province adopts extended daylight saving time, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

Beginning in 2007, daylight saving time will start on the second Sunday in March, and end on the first Sunday in November. Similar changes were recently adopted in the United States.

"It is important to maintain Ontario's competitive advantage by coordinating time changes with our major trading partner, and harmonizing our financial, industrial, transportation and communications links," said Bryant. "This is in the best interest of Ontario."

An inter-ministerial committee, led by David Zimmer, Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General, looked into the advantages and disadvantages of changing daylight saving time. The committee reviewed public safety, energy, trade, and other issues, and consulted with stakeholders and other levels of government. Daylight saving time in Ontario is governed by the Time Act, legislation that is the responsibility of the Attorney General.

"We consulted 23 groups representing the agriculture, education, energy, financial, industry, and transportation sectors, and others," said Zimmer. "The majority of stakeholders supported synchronizing daylight saving time with the U.S."

"We heard from Ontarians, and most individuals and groups who contacted us want to be in harmony with our neighbours," said Bryant. "Our economies and societies are inextricably linked. That fact, along with possible benefits in reducing accidents, energy conservation and crime prevention, support a coordinated time change."

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