Canada may have no choice but to follow a move by the United States to extend daylight saving time, which could come into effect this year, says a business leader.

"Obviously, the Canadian economy and the U.S. economy are so integrated now that for us to be out of sync with one another I think will cause some severe problems," Len Crispino, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce told CTV Newsnet.

The U.S. Congress quietly signed off on a provision Tuesday to extend daylight saving time hours by two months. It would begin on the first weekend in March, and end the last weekend in November.

The neighbouring countries currently follow the same daylight time -- from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. There are some exceptions, such as Saskatchewan, which keeps its clock the same all year round.

The provision to change daylight saving time is a clause in the Energy Policy Bill of 2005. The congressmen who sponsored the change -- Michigan's Fred Upton and Massachusetts's Ed Markey -- say it could help curb energy use.

If U.S. President George Bush signs the bill, the law could come into effect this fall -- causing potential headaches for travellers, businesses and TV viewers this November.

Implications on industry

The change could have implications for many business and industries in Canada, including on Bay St., where the Toronto Stock Exchange would open and close one hour after New York's markets for part of the year.

Crispino said the automotive sector would also be affected, since many automotive manufacturers use "just in time" delivery systems to get car parts to plants.

"To be out of sync will cause some real difficulties and will add some costs to it," he said.

Other businesses that would be affected include the aviation industry. Being out of sync with most of the world's clocks could mean millions lost in valuable time slots -- the time when planes can land or take off.

Crispino said he doesn't think Canadian industry is ready for such a change, and believes the government was caught off guard.

"If there was a delay, I think that would be helpful. My sense is there will probably not be a delay and that we will probably be forced into synchronizing with the U.S. system."

Provinces react

Alberta is taking a wait-and-see approach to the U.S. proposal.

Government spokesman Shannon Haggarty says Alberta will be consulting with other provinces on the issue, but at this point there's no plan to make any changes.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says the province is examining the pros and cons of extending daylight savings time. He says Ontario doesn't want difficulties with its main trading partner, but there are environment, business, and social issues to consider before the province follows suit.

"What are the environmental ups and downs of this? What are the business pros and cons? And then what about life for families? Does it make it more or less difficult?" McGuinty said.

"We're going to have to take a look at it, obviously."

But Manitoba Premier Gary Doer supports the move to extend daylight time. Doer says business will encounter problems if Canada does not follow suit.

He also says going along with the change would have a modest impact on energy conservation in Manitoba.