Dark mornings fuel school safety fears

Manitoba school officials are facing criticism over the province's decision to abandon twice-yearly clock changes, sparking concerns about student safety during dark commutes. The St. James-Assiniboia School Division has received two formal complaints regarding the new year-round time zone, known as Manitoba Standard Time (MBT).

Tara Smith, chairperson of the board, stated that while there are no immediate plans to alter school schedules, families have been reminded to wear bright clothing and take other safety measures when traveling to class in the pre-dawn light between November and mid-March. Suggestions for improving visibility include charting well-lit routes, wearing reflective gear, and investing in LED accessories.

Critics argue that the abrupt shift to MBT lacks proper consultation and planning, likening it to other recently proposed policies, such as banning YouTube in classrooms.