It was only a matter of time

October 30, 2026

Media Release, Government Relations, Gov't SK

Key points from this story:

• Time Act 2026 establishes year-round CST
• Lloydminster stays aligned with Saskatchewan
• No clock change this fall for Lloydminster
• Act in force October 30, 2026
• Removes school division local vote rules
• Allows border areas to align by regulation

Beginning today, time in Lloydminster and the surrounding area will stay aligned with the rest of Saskatchewan all year under new provincial time legislation. The Time Act, 2026 replaces Saskatchewan's previous time legislation and establishes year-round Central Standard Time across the province. Residents in the Lloydminster area will not need to turn their clocks back this fall.

"Without this change, Lloydminster would become a 'time island' observing Mountain Standard Time in the winter while both its provinces set their clocks to Central Standard Time," Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. "The legislation also gives Saskatchewan the flexibility to respond when neighbouring provinces or territories follow Saskatchewan's lead and change their time rules, as we saw in in both Alberta and Manitoba, respectively." The previous time legislation required the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster and its surrounding area to observe Mountain Standard Time during winter to align with Alberta.

"Living on the border of two provinces comes with its unique circumstances, but we are pleased that keeping track of the time won't be one of them," Mayor of Lloydminster Gerald Aalbers said. "This change ensures Lloydminster and our surrounding communities stay on the same clock year-round, bringing welcome consistency for residents, businesses, and schools. We appreciate the Government of Saskatchewan's recognition of our unique situation and its efforts to make everyday life a little easier across the region."

Bringing the new Act into force before daylight saving time prevents the Lloydminster area from having a different official time than either province during the winter. The Act also removes previous rules for holding local votes to change the time observed within school division boundaries. It allows border areas to follow a different time through regulations if the area chooses to align its time with neighbouring provinces or territories.