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Daylight saving time will start three weeks earlier in the spring and will last one week longer in the fall, beginning 2007.

The Department of Justice is making amendments to the regulations of the Time Definition Act to ensure that Nova Scotia is in sync when the United States extends its daylight saving time in 2007.

"The fact that we have co-ordinating time zones with the U.S. is a draw when we are attracting business to this province," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "Not changing would also likely result in difficulties for our agricultural and fisheries producers, causing transportation, shipping and border difficulties."

Starting in 2007, daylight time will begin on the second Sunday in March and will end on the first Sunday in November. Most of the other provinces that use daylight time will also be implementing the change.

Staying in sync with U.S. daylight time will ensure that banking and other business transactions with businesses in other parts of the country and the U.S. will not be impacted. This is especially important for scheduled transportation services -- including airline, buses and rail. In addition to economic benefits, Nova Scotians will enjoy a bit more daylight during the long winter months.

"Many Nova Scotia businesses depend on a productive relationship with the United States," said Mr. Scott. "The decision to be consistent will ensure that there is no disruption in our relationship with our chief trading partner, while providing benefits for our agriculture and fishing sectors."