Emergency test alert will ring out across Canada today
Don’t be surprised if your phone suddenly goes off — Canada will be conducting its emergency alert system test nationwide today.
According to the website, Alert Ready was created to deliver “critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio, and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices.” Alerts can be issued for life-threatening situations such as tornadoes, fires, or AMBER alerts.
A release states that the emergency alert test is also meant to increase public awareness about the system and to spark discussions about emergency preparedness.
The system is scheduled to conduct a test on Wednesday, May 7, and will occur at the following times:
- Alberta — 1:55 p.m. MDT
- British Columbia — 1:55 p.m. PDT
- Manitoba — 1:55 p.m. CDT
- New Brunswick — 10:55 a.m. ADT
- Newfoundland & Labrador — 10:45 a.m. NDT
- Northwest Territories — 9:55 a.m. MDT
- Nova Scotia — 1:55 p.m. ADT
- Nunavut — 2 p.m. EDT
- Ontario — 12:55 p.m. EDT
- Prince Edward Island — 12:55 p.m. ADT
- Saskatchewan — 1:55 p.m. CST
- Yukon — 1:55 p.m. YST
Quebec isn’t included in this month’s testing schedule.
The alert will test the system’s functionality, and Canadians will be notified that it’s only a test. When you receive the alert, you’ll be told that you won’t need to take any further steps. However, you may be asked to acknowledge that you received the emergency alert before you can use your mobile device again.
“If you cannot acknowledge the alert, the alert sound and vibration will continue for eight seconds,” reads the website. “Depending on your specific wireless device, additional reminders may occur.”
The Alert Tone has a distinct sound, which you can listen to on the website. Depending on your device’s capability, other alert formats may be issued for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or partially sighted.
The test will be distributed on TV, radio, and wireless. It’s also an opportunity to check your phone’s compatibility with the alert system. If you didn’t receive an alert, make sure to verify your device’s compatibility with your service provider.
“Given the importance of warning Canadians of an imminent threat to the safety of life or property, Canadians do not have an option to opt out of the test or actual emergency alerts,” reads the statement.
This article was originally published on May 5, 2025. It has since been updated.