The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is asking the public to share their views on seasonal time change in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

NWT residents are invited to provide their feedback on whether they want to keep the twice-annual time change or permanently adopt a single time. The public engagement also asks NWT residents whether they would prefer Mountain Daylight Saving Time or Mountain Standard Time (if the time change were to end). The NWT currently observes Mountain Standard Time in the winter and Mountain Daylight Saving Time in the summer.

NWT residents can participate in an online survey, which is also available in printable form, or share their views by email or mail. The GNWT will also be engaging with various partners and key stakeholders to help better inform the decision on how the NWT should observe time in the future. The public engagement and survey close on May 16, 2022.

A summary of the engagement results will be shared in a What We Heard Report. The GNWT will consider the results of the public engagement, as well as other factors such as the decisions of neighbouring provinces and territories, to help determine the best course of action for the NWT. A final decision is expected to be announced later in 2022.

How to participate
•    Consult the background information
•    View the maps explaining options available
•    Take the survey

Quote(s)

“The GNWT passed Bill 13 An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act in March 2021, which was prompted by a growing trend nationally and internationally to eliminate seasonal time changes in favour of a permanent time standard. Although the NWT has the legislation in place to allow the territory to make the switch to a year-round time standard, a decision will not be made until thorough engagement with NWT residents has occurred.” 

- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Justice

Quick facts

• The GNWT Department of Justice has been monitoring how the time change issue is evolving in Canada, including in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon. 

• If a decision to end seasonal time change is passed, the GNWT may need approximately one full year to properly implement the change (plus the gap until the next time change).

• Survey and engagement results will be posted later in 2022 in a What We Heard Report.

Related links

• Have Your Say: Seasonal Time Change 

For media requests, please contact: 
Julie Plourde
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories 
Email julie_plourde@gov.nt.ca
Phone Number 867-767-9256 ext. 82103