On November 1, 2026, something unusual will happen in Alberta: the clocks will not change.
The move to permanent daylight savings time in Alberta means Albertans will no longer turn their clocks back one hour in early November. Instead, the province will remain on its current UTC−6 time year-round under the new name Alberta Time (ABT).
For employers, that means the familiar twice-yearly clock change is coming to an end. But eliminating the clock change does not mean workplaces will notice no effects.
Permanent Alberta Time will bring later winter sunrises and an additional hour of evening daylight compared with the province’s former winter schedule. For workers who begin early in the morning, commute before sunrise, work outdoors, drive for their jobs, or perform safety-sensitive tasks, the change is worth preparing for.
Here is what Alberta employers and managers should know. But first, let’s talk about why Alberta is moving to permanent Daylight Savings Time.
Why Alberta is Moving to Permanent Daylight Savings Time
Alberta’s government says the move to permanent daylight time in Alberta is intended to eliminate the disruptions associated with changing clocks twice a year while improving consistency for families, businesses, schools and services.
The province also identifies regional coordination as a benefit, particularly as neighbouring jurisdictions move away from seasonal clock changes. Alberta says the new system should reduce confusion among people and organizations that live, work or conduct business across provincial borders.
For businesses operating across Western Canada, fewer seasonal clock changes may eventually make some scheduling and coordination simpler.
However, employers should be aware that time-zone practices can differ across provincial, territorial and U.S. jurisdictions. Organizations with employees, customers, suppliers or operations outside Alberta should review how the new time zone affects recurring meetings, transportation schedules, automated systems and other time-dependent processes.
What Does Research Tell Us About Time Changes, Sleep and Safety?
Our internal body clock (known as the circadian rhythm) helps regulate sleep, alertness and other biological processes. Light is one of the strongest signals used by the body to regulate this rhythm.
Research reviewed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has linked seasonal clock changes with disruptions to sleep and circadian alignment. The organization notes that the transition into daylight saving time in the spring can reduce sleep and has been associated in research with increased motor vehicle collisions, workplace or other injuries, impaired reaction time and changes in judgment and decision-making.
Researchers have also reported biological and behavioural effects surrounding the autumn transition, despite the common belief that turning clocks back simply provides an “extra hour” of sleep.
Overall, the research suggests that abrupt changes to sleep and circadian routines can affect alertness, reaction time and well-being. By ending the twice-yearly clock change, Alberta will remove one recurring source of disruption. For employers, the practical takeaway is to remain aware of factors that can influence worker alertness and safety while also preparing for the different daylight conditions that permanent Alberta Time will bring.
Darker Winter Mornings Under Permanent Alberta Time
For many Alberta workplaces, the most noticeable difference will come during the winter.
Because Alberta will no longer turn its clocks back, sunrise will occur approximately one hour later by the clock than it would have under the former winter schedule. Sunset will also occur an hour later.
Employees who previously arrived at work after sunrise may now commute or begin their shifts in darkness.
That can matter in workplaces involving:
- driving and transportation;
- construction and outdoor work;
- loading yards and material handling;
- mobile equipment;
- pedestrian and vehicle interaction;
- early-morning inspections;
- field work; and
- other safety-sensitive activities.
It may also affect workers’ routines, sleep schedules, morning alertness and perceptions of energy during the darker months.
Because of these changes, employers should recognize that the environmental conditions around some morning tasks may change and determine whether existing controls remain appropriate.
How Alberta Employers Can Prepare for Permanent Daylight Savings Time
- Review early-morning work and winter visibility
Consider which jobs begin before or around sunrise during the winter.
Look specifically at tasks where visibility, alertness or vehicle and pedestrian interaction are important. Existing hazard assessments may already address darkness and winter conditions, but the timing and duration of those conditions could change under permanent daylight time in Alberta.
- Check workplace lighting for darker winter mornings
Review lighting in parking areas, walkways, loading areas, entrances, yards and outdoor work zones used during early shifts.
Ask yourself this question: Are areas that previously operated in daylight now going to be regularly used in darkness?
If so, determine whether current lighting and visibility measures are suitable for the work being performed.
- Review Worker Fatigue and Worker Alertness
Although workers will not lose an hour of sleep on November 1, some employees may need time to adjust their winter routines around later morning light.
Supervisors should continue using established workplace practices for managing fatigue and remain attentive to signs that a worker may not be sufficiently alert to perform a safety-sensitive task.
This is especially relevant for workplaces involving driving, heavy equipment, shift work or other activities where reduced alertness can have serious consequences.
- Review cross-border scheduling after Alberta’s Time Change
Permanent Alberta Time may simplify some regional scheduling, but it can also create new differences with jurisdictions that continue changing their clocks.
Review recurring:
- meetings;
- employee schedules;
- supplier arrangements;
- transportation and delivery times;
- customer service hours;
- payroll or timekeeping systems;
- booking software;
- automated reports; and
- digital calendar settings.
Technology should not automatically be assumed to handle every change correctly. Organizations may want to verify that systems recognize ABT/UTC−6 appropriately.
- Communicate the change before November 1
One of the simplest preparations is also one of the most useful: tell employees what is happening.
A workplace notice could explain that clocks do not move backward this November, Alberta will remain at UTC−6, winter mornings will be darker by the clock than employees are accustomed to, and work schedules remain unchanged unless management communicates otherwise.
Clear communication can reduce unnecessary confusion about start times, meetings and shifts.
The Workplace Impact of Alberta’s New Time System
There is evidence that changing clocks twice a year can disrupt sleep, circadian rhythms and daily routines. Ending those transitions may remove a recurring frustration for workers and businesses.
It is too early to know exactly how Alberta’s workforce will adapt over the long term.
The provincial government has said it plans to monitor the transition and gather feedback after Alberta’s first full year under permanent Alberta Time.
For employers, the priority does not need to be predicting whether the change will ultimately be viewed as good or bad.
Instead, focus on what can be managed today:
- visibility,
- fatigue awareness,
- scheduling,
- communication and the safety of employees whose work will increasingly begin in winter darkness.
A small amount of preparation before November 1 can help organizations enter Alberta’s new time system with fewer surprises.
This article is intended for general educational purposes. Workplace conditions vary, and employers should assess hazards and controls based on the circumstances of their own operations.
Sources and Further Readings
Government of Alberta. Alberta’s new time system (ABT). Official information about Alberta Time, UTC−6 and the elimination of seasonal clock changes.
Alberta’s new time system (ABT) – Alberta.ca
Rishi, M.A., Cheng, J.Y., Strang, A.R., et al. (2024). Permanent standard time is the optimal choice for health and safety: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 20(1), 121–125.
Reach out to our team!
How Can We Help You?
Contact us at JADA Solutions (HSE) Inc. to speak with one of our professionals!
