ALERT: Why BC and Alberta Residents Should Check Their Digital Calendars and Devices Before November 1st
CAVEAT: With British Columbia and Alberta moving toward permanent time zones and eliminating the practice of changing clocks twice a year, there is an important technology issue that residents, businesses, and organizations need to understand. Although keeping the same time year round may sound like a simple change, it can create unexpected problems with computers, smartphones, digital calendars, meeting invitations, and scheduling applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar. Here at The White Hatter, we believe this is a good example of how changes to something as familiar as our clocks can have unintended consequences in the digital world. The good news is that most potential problems can be avoided by keeping devices updated, checking time zone settings, and reviewing important appointments.
What’s Changing? Under the permanent time arrangements described in this article, British Columbia and Alberta will no longer move their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Instead, both provinces will remain on their existing summer time throughout the year. For most of British Columbia, this would mean remaining on UTC-7, while Alberta would remain on UTC-6. Although the provinces would continue to be one hour apart, their relationship with neighbouring provinces and American States that continue changing clocks would be different during the winter months. It is also important to recognize that some communities in British Columbia already follow different time zone arrangements and have not traditionally participated in seasonal clock changes (1)(2)(3).
The challenge is that many computers, smartphones, and digital calendars have traditionally relied on time zone databases that automatically adjust clocks according to established daylight saving time rules. When governments change those rules, technology companies must update their operating systems and software to recognize the new arrangements. If a device continues using outdated information, it may display an incorrect time or calculate appointments using the previous rules. This is particularly relevant for people who schedule meetings across provincial or international borders, where participants may be using different time zone settings (4)(5).
Why Could This Cause Problems?
Many digital calendars, including Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar, use time zone information to calculate when appointments should appear. When someone schedules a meeting, the software generally records the appointment in a way that allows it to be displayed correctly for participants in different locations. However, when time zone rules change, previously scheduled appointments may not always behave as expected, particularly if the calendar software or operating system has not been updated.
For example, imagine that a business in Alberta scheduled a weekly staff meeting for 9:00 a.m. several months before the time zone change. If the appointment remains associated with the previous daylight saving rules, the meeting could appear at the wrong time on some calendars after November 1. The problem becomes more complicated when different employees are using different devices or software versions. One employee might see the meeting scheduled for 9:00 a.m., while another sees it at 10:00 a.m., even though both are looking at invitations for the same meeting.
This could create particular challenges for businesses that regularly schedule meetings between British Columbia, Alberta, other Canadian provinces, and the United States. For example, a company in Vancouver might arrange a meeting with colleagues in Calgary and Denver. If British Columbia and Alberta remain on permanent time while Colorado continues changing its clocks, the time difference between these locations will change seasonally. Without accurate time zone information, participants could receive conflicting meeting times or misunderstand when a meeting is supposed to begin.
Why Updating Your Computer May Not Fix Everything
One important consideration is that digital calendars do not all handle time zone changes in exactly the same way. Some appointments are stored using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), while others also retain information about the time zone in which the meeting was originally scheduled. When governments change time zone rules, calendar applications may need updated information to calculate when future meetings should appear. In many cases, these adjustments happen automatically. However, some existing appointments, particularly recurring meetings created before the change, may require additional attention. This does not mean that every recurring meeting will be incorrect, but it does mean that important appointments should be checked rather than assuming that updating the device’s clock has corrected everything.
For example, a weekly staff meeting, regular client appointment, or recurring Microsoft Teams call may have been created using the previous time zone settings. Even after a computer has been updated, the original meeting invitation may still contain information associated with the old rules. Depending on the software and how the appointment was created, the meeting organizer may need to review or update the entire series to ensure everyone sees the correct time (4)(11).
This is why we recommend checking important appointments rather than assuming that everything has been corrected simply because the clock on your computer or smartphone is accurate. A device can display the correct local time while individual calendar appointments remain incorrect.
How to Check and Update Your Devices
Fortunately, most modern computers and smartphones are designed to update their time zone information automatically through operating system updates, network connections, and location services. However, these systems depend on receiving accurate information from the software provider, and older devices or manually configured systems may require additional attention. The following instructions explain how to check your settings on Windows PCs, Apple Macs, iPhones, and Android smartphones.
Windows 11
If you use a Windows 11 computer, the first step is to ensure that your operating system has received the latest available updates. Microsoft distributes time zone database changes through Windows updates, and devices that have not been updated may continue using outdated rules. Once the appropriate updates are installed, Windows should be able to recognize the correct time zone for your location.
To check your settings:
1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your computer if required.
4. Return to Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
5. Confirm that Set time automatically is enabled.
6. Enable Set time zone automatically, if available.
7. Verify that Windows has selected the correct time zone for your location.
8. If the time zone is incorrect, open Settings → Privacy & security → Location and confirm that location services are enabled.
9. If automatic detection continues to select the wrong time zone, turn it off and manually select the correct, officially supported time zone from the available list.
For Alberta residents, an updated Windows system may offer a time zone specifically identified for Alberta if Microsoft has implemented such an entry. British Columbia residents should verify that their selected time zone reflects the province’s applicable rules rather than assuming that the traditional Pacific Time setting has automatically been updated (6).
It is also important to remember that changing your Windows time zone does not necessarily correct every existing Outlook appointment. If you use Microsoft Outlook or Teams for work, review upcoming meetings and recurring appointments to ensure they display at the intended local time.
Windows 10
Although Windows 10 and Windows 11 have similar time and date settings, the location of Windows Update differs between the two operating systems. Windows 10 users should also be aware that Microsoft’s standard support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Computers that are not covered by an applicable extended support arrangement may no longer receive important operating system updates, including updates that could affect time zone information.
To check your settings:
1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security → Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any updates available for your device.
4. Restart your computer if requested.
5. Return to Settings → Time & Language → Date & time.
6. Confirm that Set time automatically is enabled.
7. Enable Set time zone automatically, if available.
8. Verify that the displayed time zone is correct for your location.
9. If the time zone is incorrect, check that location services are enabled or manually select the appropriate officially supported time zone.
If your Windows 10 computer is no longer receiving updates, we recommend checking whether it qualifies for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program or considering an upgrade to a supported operating system. This is important not only for time zone accuracy but also for the broader security and reliability of your computer (6).
Apple Mac: macOS
Apple computers normally update their time zone automatically when Location Services is enabled and the operating system has current time zone information. However, if your Mac has not been updated recently, or you previously selected a time zone manually, it is worth checking that the settings are correct. This is particularly important if you use Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or another scheduling application for work or personal appointments (7).
To check your Mac:
1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Click General → Software Update and install any available updates.
4. Return to General → Date & Time.
5. Enable Set time and date automatically.
6. Enable Set time zone automatically using your current location.
7. Confirm that the selected time zone reflects your location and the applicable provincial rules.
8. If automatic detection is not working, open Privacy & Security → Location Services.
9. Under System Services, confirm that Setting time zone is enabled, if that option is available.
10. Return to Date & Time and verify that the correct time zone is displayed.
Depending on your version of macOS, the precise wording or location of these settings may differ slightly. It is also important to recognize that macOS and Windows do not necessarily use identical time zone names, so you should not expect to find the same wording on both systems.
If you use Outlook on your Mac, we recommend reviewing its calendar settings and checking upcoming recurring meetings. Although your Mac may display the correct time, previously scheduled appointments may still require attention (11).
Apple iPhone: iOS
Most iPhones automatically update their time zone information through Apple’s operating system and network services. However, users should ensure their devices are running the latest available version of iOS and that automatic time zone detection is enabled. This is especially important for people who travel between provinces or regularly schedule appointments with individuals in other time zones (8).
To check your iPhone:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General → Software Update.
3. Install any available iOS updates.
4. Return to Settings → General → Date & Time.
5. Confirm that Set Automatically is enabled.
6. Verify that your iPhone displays the correct local time and time zone.
7. If the time zone is incorrect, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
8. Select System Services and enable Setting Time Zone.
9. Return to Date & Time and check the time zone again.
One important consideration is that the Set Automatically option may be unavailable or restricted on some devices because of carrier settings, device management policies, or other configuration restrictions. For example, an employer-managed or school-issued iPhone may prevent the user from manually changing certain settings. If the option is unavailable or the time zone remains incorrect, we recommend checking with your carrier or device administrator before attempting further changes.
If you use Apple Calendar, Outlook, or Google Calendar on your iPhone, review important appointments scheduled after November 1. Remember that a calendar event can display incorrectly even when the clock on your phone is accurate.
Android Smartphones: Google Pixel
Google Pixel smartphones normally obtain their time zone information through the Android operating system, network services, and location settings. However, if your phone has not received recent updates or automatic time zone detection has been disabled, it is worth confirming that the correct settings are enabled (9).
To check your Google Pixel:
1. Open Settings.
2. Select System → Date & time.
3. Enable Set time automatically.
4. Enable Set time zone automatically.
5. Enable Use location to set time zone, if available.
6. Confirm that the displayed time zone is correct for your location.
7. Return to Settings → System → Software updates and check for available updates.
The wording and availability of location-based time zone settings may vary depending on your Android version. If your phone continues to display an incorrect time zone, confirm that location services are enabled and that your device has received the latest available system updates.
Android Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy smartphones use Android but organize some settings differently from Google Pixel devices. The exact menu names may also vary depending on the version of Samsung’s One UI software installed on the device (10).
To check your Samsung Galaxy:
1. Open Settings.
2. Select General management → Date and time.
3. Enable Automatic date and time.
4. Enable Automatic time zone, if available.
5. Confirm that the displayed local time and time zone are correct.
6. Return to Settings → Software update.
7. Select Download and install to check for available updates.
If your Samsung phone continues to display an incorrect time zone, check whether Samsung has released a relevant software update. Depending on the Android version and device manufacturer, time zone information may be updated through operating system updates, Google system updates, or manufacturer-provided updates. This means that a complete Android operating system upgrade is not always necessary to receive updated time zone information.
If you use Google Calendar, Outlook, or another scheduling application, review upcoming appointments and recurring meetings to ensure they reflect the intended local time (11)(12).
Don’t Forget Your Digital Calendars
Even after updating your computer or smartphone, some previously scheduled meetings may still display incorrectly. This is because calendar applications often store appointments using time zone information associated with the original meeting invitation. If those rules have changed, the appointment may need to be reviewed or updated by the person who originally organized it.
However, it is important to recognize that not every recurring meeting will require manual correction. Some calendar systems can automatically recalculate future appointments after receiving updated time zone information. The concern is that different applications, devices, and software versions may not always handle those changes in exactly the same way. For this reason, we recommend reviewing important appointments rather than automatically deleting or recreating every meeting on your calendar.
Microsoft Outlook has its own calendar time zone settings, which may need to be reviewed separately from your computer’s operating system. This is particularly important for people who use Outlook on multiple devices or regularly schedule meetings with participants in different locations (11).
To check your settings in New Outlook or Outlook on the web:
1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Click Settings, represented by the gear icon.
3. Select Calendar → View.
4. Locate the Time zones section.
5. Verify that the selected time zone matches your location and the applicable provincial rules.
6. Save any changes if required.
7. Review upcoming meetings and recurring appointments to confirm that they display at the intended time.
If a meeting appears at the wrong time, contact the original organizer before making changes. Depending on how the meeting was created, the organizer may need to correct the appointment and send an updated invitation to all participants.
Microsoft Outlook: Classic Outlook for Windows
Classic Outlook for Windows uses a different settings menu from New Outlook. Users should check their calendar time zone independently, particularly if they have recently changed their computer’s time zone settings.
To check your settings:
1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Select File → Options.
3. Click Calendar.
4. Scroll to the Time zones section.
5. Verify that the selected time zone is correct.
6. Make any necessary changes.
7. Review upcoming meetings and recurring appointments.
It is important to understand that changing Outlook’s displayed time zone does not necessarily change the underlying scheduled time of existing appointments. If a recurring meeting is displaying incorrectly, the original organizer should verify the intended meeting time before making changes.
Microsoft Outlook for Mac
Outlook for Mac also has calendar time zone settings, although the location of these settings can vary depending on the version of Outlook being used. We recommend opening Outlook’s settings or preferences, locating the calendar time zone options, and confirming that the selected time zone reflects your location.
Because Microsoft periodically changes the Outlook for Mac interface, the exact navigation may differ between versions. If you cannot locate the setting, consult Microsoft’s current Outlook for Mac documentation or contact your organization’s IT department.
For businesses using Microsoft 365, IT administrators should also review Microsoft’s guidance concerning time zone changes and existing Exchange Online calendar appointments. Larger organizations may need additional steps to ensure that employee devices, meeting room systems, shared calendars, and scheduling applications are all using consistent time zone information.
Google Calendar: Computer and Web Browser
Google Calendar is widely used by families, schools, and businesses, and it has its own time zone settings that may differ from those configured on your computer. This is particularly relevant if you have previously selected a preferred time zone manually or regularly schedule meetings across provincial and international borders (12).
To check Google Calendar on a computer:
1. Open Google Calendar in your web browser.
2. Click the Settings gear icon.
3. Select Settings.
4. Under General, select Time zone.
5. Review the Primary time zone.
6. Confirm that the selected time zone matches your location and the applicable provincial rules.
7. Review upcoming appointments and recurring meetings to ensure they display at the intended time.
If you regularly schedule meetings with people in other time zones, Google Calendar can also display a secondary time zone. This can be useful for businesses that coordinate appointments between British Columbia, Alberta, other provinces, and international locations (12).
Google Calendar: iPhone and Android
The Google Calendar mobile application can use your smartphone’s time zone settings or a manually selected time zone, depending on how the application has been configured. This means that even if your phone displays the correct local time, it is worth checking whether Google Calendar is using the same settings (12).
To check your settings:
1. Open the Google Calendar app.
2. Open the menu and select Settings.
3. Select General.
4. Locate Use device time zone, if available.
5. If enabled, Google Calendar normally uses your phone’s configured time zone.
6. If disabled, verify that the manually selected time zone is correct.
7. Review upcoming appointments to confirm that they display at the intended local time.
If you notice that an appointment displays differently on your phone than it does on your computer, compare the time zone settings in both applications before changing the meeting itself.
A Word of Caution About Manually Changing Time Zones
One important recommendation we want to emphasize is that you should avoid manually selecting a neighbouring city or region simply because it currently displays the correct hour. Two locations may share the same time today but follow different daylight saving rules later in the year. Selecting an incorrect time zone could temporarily fix your clock while creating new problems with future calendar appointments.
For example, a resident of British Columbia might be tempted to select a location that remains on UTC-7 throughout the year because it appears to match the province’s intended permanent time arrangement. Although this could make the clock display the expected hour, it does not necessarily mean that the selected time zone is the correct one for British Columbia. Future software updates, calendar calculations, and scheduled appointments could behave differently if the device is using the rules for another jurisdiction.
The better approach is to install the latest available updates, confirm that automatic time zone detection is enabled, and select the correct officially supported time zone for your location. If the correct option is unavailable, consult your device manufacturer’s guidance or your organization’s IT department before making further changes.
What Parents, Employees, and Businesses Should Do Before November 1
For most people, preparing for a time zone change should not be complicated. The most important steps are to ensure devices are updated, verify that automatic time zone detection is working correctly, and review important appointments. Parents may also want to check devices used by their children, particularly when those devices are used for school schedules, extracurricular activities, online tutoring, or virtual appointments.
For businesses and organizations, the preparation may require a little more coordination. Employees may be using a combination of Windows computers, Macs, iPhones, Android devices, and shared meeting room systems. If these devices are running different software versions or using different time zone settings, scheduling inconsistencies could occur. We recommend that IT departments communicate with employees about the changes, confirm that operating systems are updated, and remind staff to review recurring appointments.
If you regularly schedule meetings with people outside British Columbia or Alberta, it may also be helpful to include the intended time zone when confirming appointments. For example, rather than simply saying that a meeting begins at 10:00 a.m., specify that it begins at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time or 11:00 a.m. Calgary time, assuming those are the correct local times under the applicable rules. This small clarification can help prevent confusion when participants are located in regions that follow different seasonal time arrangements.
We also recommend confirming important meetings directly with participants during the first week following any time zone change, particularly when those meetings involve people in different provinces or countries. A quick confirmation by email, text message, or telephone can help prevent misunderstandings when different devices or calendar applications display conflicting information.
Here at The White Hatter, we often remind people that technology is only as reliable as the information and instructions it receives. When governments change time zone rules, the technology we depend on must also be updated to reflect those changes. Although moving to permanent time zones may make life simpler in the long run, the transition can create short-term confusion for people who rely on digital calendars, automated scheduling systems, and devices that may not immediately recognize the new arrangements.
We believe this is another example of why digital literacy involves more than simply knowing how to operate a computer or smartphone. It also involves understanding that technology can behave unexpectedly when the information it relies upon changes. A computer displaying an incorrect meeting time does not necessarily mean the software is broken. It may simply be following outdated instructions that no longer reflect the time zone rules in your location.
The good news is that most of these potential problems can be avoided with a little preparation. Keeping your devices updated, checking your time zone settings, reviewing recurring appointments, and confirming important meetings can help prevent unnecessary scheduling confusion. For businesses, communicating these changes to employees and ensuring that IT systems are properly updated may be particularly important.
One final recommendation, do not assume that because the clock on your computer or smartphone is correct, every appointment in your digital calendar is also correct. Take a few minutes to review important meetings, particularly those involving people in different provinces or countries. A small amount of preparation now could prevent missed appointments, scheduling confusion, and unnecessary frustration later.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References
4/ https://it.ubc.ca/news/october-20-2026/bc-time-zone-change-what-it-means-your-calendar-and-devices
5/ https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/admin/calendar/manage-canadian-daylight-saving-time-changes
