Public alerting tests to take place today in nine provinces and one territory

Alerts to be distributed on compatible mobile devices and on television and radio

May 9, 2018 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Today, test alerts will be sent to compatible LTE (long-term evolution)-connected mobile devices in nine provinces and one territory. These test alerts will also be distributed on television and radio in the following provinces and territory.

May 9

• Yukon 1:30 PM (PST)
• Northwest Territories 1:55 PM (MDT)
• Alberta 1:55 PM (MDT)
• British-Colombia 1:55 PM (PDT)
• Saskatchewan 1:55 PM (CST)
• Manitoba 1:55 PM (CDT)
• Newfoundland & Labrador 1:55 PM (NDT)
• Nova Scotia 1:55 PM (ADT)
• Prince Edward Island 1:55 PM (ADT)
• New-Brunswick 6:55 PM (ADT)

Since April 6, 2018, all wireless service providers must distribute wireless public emergency alert messages on their LTE networks. The public alerting test is an opportunity for Canadians to become familiar with how public alert messages will be delivered to their mobile devices, including the tone and vibration cadence that will distinguish them from regular text messages.

The messages will be identified as tests and will not require Canadians to take steps to secure their safety.

To learn more about test alerts and to find out if a cellphone is capable of receiving emergency alerts, Canadians can visit Alert Ready.

Quick facts

• Wireless and broadcasting service providers will conduct a nationwide public alerting test during Emergency Preparedness Week.
• Test alerts are conducted to ensure that the alerting system is functional, and to create awareness of national public alerting system among Canadians.
• Canadians may be required to acknowledge receipt of the emergency alert in order to allow for their wireless device to resume normal functioning. In the event that they cannot acknowledge the alert, the alert sound and vibration will continue for 8 seconds.
• Emergency alert messages are issued by federal, provincial and territorial governments and emergency management officials to warn the public of imminent threats, such as fires, tornadoes, floods, water contamination and Amber Alerts.
• These officials are also responsible for issuing scheduled test messages.
• Public Safety Canada is the lead department responsible for emergency management and coordinates the development of policies for public alerting with federal, provincial and territorial stakeholders.

Related products

• CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee – Consensus reports on a proposed wireless public alerting test alert schedule and methodology
• CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee – Consensus report on a proposed wireless public alerting awareness and education campaign
• Implementation of the National Public Alerting System by wireless service providers to protect Canadians
• Notice of Consultation – Participation by wireless service providers in the National Public Alerting System

Associated links

• TV and Radio Stations that broadcast Emergency Alert Messages
• Emergency Alert Messages and the National Public Alerting System (NPAS)
• Alert Ready

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Contacts

Media Relations
819-997-9403

General Inquiries
In Canada, toll-free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
Outside Canada: 819-997-0313

Via TTY:
In Canada toll-free: 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
Outside Canada: 819-994-0423

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