2026-03-18

 Published in the Winnipeg Free Press

18 March 2026

© Calvin J. Brown 2026

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Spring forward

Let’s recap (Premier springs into action on clock change, March 14). Changing our clocks between daylight and standard time twice yearly is unhealthy because people have difficulty adjusting. Daylight time is unhealthy because it misaligns daylight hours with our circadian rhythm and thereby causes various maladies. 

Add that evidence does not support the claim that less energy is consumed during daylight time. Then further add that the United States tried year-round daylight time in the 1970s and changed its mind, largely because people hated the lengthier, dark winter mornings.

So, why would Premier Wab Kinew poll Manitobans? Instead, why wouldn’t he clearly explain what the right choice is and then switch us to permanent standard time? That’s called leadership. If polling shows that Manitobans favour permanent daylight time, will he implement it? Amazingly, that’s what British Columbia did. 

Given the vast amount of money spent on healthcare, why would a politician make a change that negatively affects people’s health? Perhaps in search of a few more votes? Would our premier ever do that? I hope not. 

I hope the Manitoba government follows the evidence. I hope it chooses permanent standard time. 

Calvin Brown

R.M. of St. Andrews