Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the practice that many residents across the Northwest Territories revisit and question each year, the ongoing use of daylight savings time. Twice each year residents across the territory adjust their clocks forward in the spring and back again in the fall. While this may appear to be a minor change, it can disrupt daily routines, affect sleep patterns, and create challenges for many people. Families, workers, and elders often feel the effects as they adapt to shift in time. For shift workers, parents with young children, and those already managing busy schedules, even a one-hour change can be difficult and may influence overall well-being, safety, and productivity.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories differs greatly from the southern regions where daylight savings time was first introduced to better align daylight with daily activities. In the North, we already experience significant seasonal shifts in daylight. During the winter months, daylight hours are very limited, while in the summer the sun remains visible late into the evening. Adjusting clocks does little to change these natural patterns.

Daylight savings time was originally introduced to conserve energy and make better use of daylight during working hours; however, in today's world, with modern technology, changing work habits, and new energy practices, many experts agree that these benefits are now minimal and no longer relevant. What remains is a system that disrupts routines twice a year while offering very little practical advantage.

Across North America, many jurisdictions are taking note of these concerns. Several are reviewing the practice of it or considering this elimination in favour of consistent, year-round time. Residents are seeking stability and predictability in their daily routines.

Mr. Speaker, while residents of the Northwest Territories -- Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while residents of the Northwest Territories are resilient and adaptable, that does not justify continuing a practice that offers little benefit in our northern context. It is time to seriously consider ending the twice-yearly clock changes and adopting permanent consistent time that better reflects the needs of our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.