Clocks Turn Back This Weekend

Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded to turn their clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 6, at 2:00 a.m. to reflect the return to Newfoundland Standard Time. The change in time will remain in effect until Sunday, March 11, 2012.

“This weekend we return to Newfoundland Standard Time and it will be the first use of the new reference time of 2:00 a.m. in our province,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “While our time will still only change by one hour, the new reference time is consistent with the moment most North Americans change their time.”

To align Newfoundland and Labrador with other jurisdictions in North America, recent amendments to the Standard Time Act altered the reference time for changing clocks to 2:00 a.m. from the previous time of 12:01 a.m. At 2:00 a.m. residents will reset the time to 1:00 a.m.

“As a result of the time change coming into effect this weekend, darkness will occur earlier and we ask all residents to be mindful of all forms of traffic, including pedestrians,” said Minister O’Brien. “This is also a great opportunity to review or prepare emergency and fire evacuation plans and for everyone to conduct home safety checks to ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are properly functioning.”

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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca 

2011 11 04                            9:35 a.m.