PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
For instructors using Canvas, no action is required at this time. Canvas will automatically adjust course deadlines and scheduled times as part of its support for British Columbia's transition to PCT. To avoid unintended impacts, please do not manually modify Canvas deadlines or quiz start/end times in preparation for the change.
On Sunday, November 1, British Columbia will move to permanent year-round time. Unlike previous years, clocks will not “fall back” by an hour. Our new time zone will be called Pacific Canada Time (PCT). A new time zone is a technology change that many vendors and systems have not experienced, and it may affect some processes and systems across the university, including Canvas.
Known Issue 1: Outdated Computer, Device or Web Browser Results in Incorrect Time Display
If a user's computer, device or web browser is out of date, it is possible for Canvas to display incorrect times in various places. Manually correcting the time (e.g. changing a due date from 11:00 pm to 12:00 am) can result in discrepancies and unintended time when using an outdated computer, device or web browser. To resolve this, users are encouraged to update their device’s operating system or web browser.
Known Issue 2: Personal Calendar Events
In Canvas, events scheduled in personal calendars on or after November 1 are expected to be off by one hour. These will need to be manually adjusted.
AFFECTED SYSTEMS / VERSIONS / USERS
This affects all users who are using Canvas at canvas.sfu.ca.
WORKAROUND
1. Avoid manually updating time or dates on your Canvas content
Instructors should avoid adjusting the time, dates or time zones in Canvas. After November 1, instructors should check the accuracy of times and dates of deadlines and quiz start/end dates in their Canvas courses.
2. Update your computer, devices and browsers. Set time zones to automatic.
All students, staff and faculty are advised to update their computer, devices and browser to the latest version to ensure the new time zones are installed.
For computers & laptops:
- Windows: There will be a new automatic update, Windows Update Oct 2026 (KB5127648). Be sure to install that new update and restart your computer.
- Mac: A notification should appear for a new time zone definition. It will be installed upon restarting your device.
For mobile:
- All modern mobile devices will automatically configure new time zones based on local cellular network connection. Time zones will silently update in the background.
- Tablets should maintain Wi-Fi connections. Time zones will silently update in the background.
For browsers:
- Google Chrome (Version 155 or higher)
- Mozilla Firefox (Version 158 or higher)
Note: Ensure that your time zone is set to ‘automatic’. Manually setting a time zone on your devices can cause misalignment between your browsers, devices and other installed software.
3. Adjust your personal calendar events in Canvas after November 1.
Users are advised to manually adjust any events added to their personal calendar after November 1.
STATUS
Canvas will automatically adjust course deadlines and scheduled times as part of its support for British Columbia's transition to PCT. Ensure that your computer, devices and browsers are up to date.