September 15, 2005

Mr. Michel Gravel
Executive Director
Canadian Council on Motor Transport Administrator (CCMTA)
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J8 fax: 736-1395

Canada Must Consider Extended Daylight Saving Time

Dear Michel,

I am aware that the potential impacts if Canada follows the US to extend the period of daylight saving time (DST) will be an agenda item at the meeting of the CCMTA Standing Committee on Road Safety Research & Policies to be held in Toronto October 6-7.

A new energy bill adopted by the US Congress on July 29 and subsequently signed into law by President Bush provides for a modified extension of DST in that country for about a month. It will go into effect in 2007 and will run from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. American proponents of this time change say their country could save at least one percent on its energy bills. They foresee other benefits such as a reduction in traffic fatalities, less crime, more recreational time and increased economic activity — in addition to extending the “feel” of summer.

In Canada, as you are aware, time is a provincial responsibility. In light of the time change in the US, all governments in Canada must now consider their options as to whether or not they should follow our Southern neighbor and extend daylight saving time.

Attached is a copy of CSC’s release dated July 20 citing studies, including information from Transport Canada, which concluded that DST could reduce pedestrian fatalities. This release generated significant interest not only from media across North America but from concerned organizations and individuals.

DST was an item discussed at the Canada Safety Council’s Executive Committee meeting held on September 1. From a safety perspective, Executive Committee members agreed there appears to be a consensus that an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon may be a good thing. It was noted that there appear to be no disadvantages and there may be some safety advantages, but it will be important to prepare the public for any pending change. As such, discussion of this matter at your upcoming meeting is a step in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Emile-J. Therien
President, Canada Safety Council

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		September 15, 2005 Mr. Michel Gravel Executive Director Canadian Council on Motor Transport Administrator (CCMTA) Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J8 fax: 736-1395 Canada Must Consider Extended Daylight Saving Time Dear Michel, I am aware that the potential impacts if Canada follows the US to extend the period of daylight saving time (DST) will be an agenda item at the meeting of the CCMTA Standing Committee on Road Safety Research & Policies to be held in Toronto October 6-7. A new energy bill adopted by the US Congress on July 29 and subsequently signed into law by President Bush provides for a modified extension of DST in that country for about a month. It will go into effect in 2007 and will run from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. American proponents of this time change say their country could save at least one percent on its energy bills. They foresee other benefits such as a reduction in traffic fatalities, less crime, more recreational time and increased economic activity — in addition to extending the “feel” of summer. In Canada, as you are aware, time is a provincial responsibility. In light of the time change in the US, all governments in Canada must now consider their options as to whether or not they should follow our Southern neighbor and extend daylight saving time. Attached is a copy of CSC’s release dated July 20 citing studies, including information from Transport Canada, which concluded that DST could reduce pedestrian fatalities. This release generated significant interest not only from media across North America but from concerned organizations and individuals. DST was an item discussed at the Canada Safety Council’s Executive Committee meeting held on September 1. From a safety perspective, Executive Committee members agreed there appears to be a consensus that an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon may be a good thing. It was noted that there appear to be no disadvantages and there may be some safety advantages, but it will be important to prepare the public for any pending change. As such, discussion of this matter at your upcoming meeting is a step in the right direction. Sincerely, Emile-J. Therien President, Canada Safety Council Return to top of page			U.S. Plan to Extend DST