A decision on whether or not the Atlantic region will join counterparts in the United States in adopting the same time year-round appears to be on hold.

The Atlantic Premiers addressed the matter following recent meetings in Halifax.

The decision to maintain a permanent daylight saving time appears to have stalled in the US House of Representatives, which means any determination on this side of the US border is also on hold according to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey.

He says a decision at this stage would be premature.

Furey joked with Halifax reporters yesterday that whatever the decision, Newfoundland and parts of Labrador will keep that half-hour difference.

“We like our half hour difference,” laughed Furey, “and we’re going to maintain that.”