BACKGROUNDER: Web resources for a story in the news
Date: Mar. 22, 2005
By: Greg MacVicar
Story: Canada.com
Saskatchewan has once again decided to be the only Canadian province not to move its clocks ahead in the spring. The middle of the time zone runs right down the centre of Saskatchewan. Communities were able to choose between Mountain Standard Time and Central Standard Time until 1966. At that time, Central Standard was fixed for the whole province, without the twice-yearly adjustment to clocks made in the rest of the country. Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said the province has decided not to adopt Daylight Saving Time in 2005. Among the ideas that were rejected was having a two-year trial during which Saskatchewan people would change their clocks twice a year, in spring and fall. In the rest of Canada, the clocks move ahead one hour on April 3. Taylor said the government also considered a referendum but rejected it because it would cost $3.7 million.
Site: History of Clocks
A well-structured chronological look at the history of clocks including sundials, water clocks and watches. Attractive illustrations and photos are included.
Site: Historica Minutes: Sir Sandford Fleming
The story of Sir Sanford Fleming's contributions to history, including surveying Canada's first railroad, designing our first stamp and inventing Standard Time. This site includes the Historica Minute video on Fleming which reveals his passion and focus. Fleming devised a map which divided the world into 24 time zones. Standard Time went into effect on Jan. 1, 1885.
Site: Daylight Saving Time Canada
This site allows the user to determine the time in over 600 Canadian communities and around the world. Colourful maps of Canada, the United States and Canada are included.
Site: Time - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
A classic encyclopedic look at time. Succinct and easily read, this site looks at the philosophy, chronology and perceptions of time. Included are a list of time units, external links and diagrams.
Site: History House: We'll Beat the Daylights Into You
History House is described as an "irreverent history magazine." This is a fun look at the history of clocks and time, including Daylight Savings Time. It has footnotes and a bibliography so it must all be true!