On 2026-09-18 16:10, Tim Parenti via tz wrote:
On Fri, 18 Sept 2026 at 16:54, Chris Walton via tz wrote:
The theory file says:
"Use abbreviations that are in common use among English-speakers, e.g.,
“EST” for Eastern Standard Time in North America."
On Fri, 18 Sept 2026 at 15:03, brian.laframboise via tz wrote:
That said, I am aware of the recent decision on the non-inclusion of ABT for
Alberta: https://lists.iana.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected]/thread/
EOSYV7EGLBDW7YPKO5NNLQZ2MT7643BL/ <https://lists.iana.org/hyperkitty/list/
[email protected]/thread/EOSYV7EGLBDW7YPKO5NNLQZ2MT7643BL/>
It is a similar argument with "PCT" as for "ABT", as well as for "YST" in Yukon
and even "MBT" as we expect from the legislation behind Manitoba's recent
announcement. We aim for a somewhat higher descriptivist "person on the ground"
standard; though we are aware, however, how the increased number of changes in
Canada are straining popular understanding of the traditional North American
nomenclature.
If and when the alphabetics start to prove too confusing, we can always default
to unambiguous numeric abbreviations like "-07", but there also hasn't yet been
enough evidence to support that sort of change either.
1. Will IANA update the abbreviation for relevant timezones (such as
America/Vancouver) from MST to PCT by Nov 1?
2. If not, can you provide guidance on when we could expect such an update,
if ever?
In short: (1) Not likely, and (2) if and when any given abbreviation begins to
see widespread and persistent adoption by average people coordinating events,
both from inside and outside the region — not just internal government use or
use by a few prominent news outlets.
Any reporting on those details seems to be very local, so it appears unlikely
anyone elsewhere in Canada will be using those names or abbreviations.
Even locally most will probably not notice, remember, or ignore those details.
They and others across Canada may well use the phrase <Province> Time and
possibly even abbreviate that XXT.
Hopefully they will not resort to using BST/AST/MST, although there really is
little reason not to if anyone wants to, as we long considered those to be less
than useful non-unique labels attached to the numerical value, compared to
-0700/-0600/-0500! ;^>
--
Take care. Thanks, Brian Inglis Calgary, Alberta, Canada
La perfection est atteinte Perfection is achieved
non pas lorsqu'il n'y a plus rien à ajouter not when there is no more to add
mais lorsqu'il n'y a plus rien à retrancher but when there is no more to cut
-- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
