Canada's Emergency Alert System to be Tested Nationally on Wednesday

 

 

The national test of Canada's Emergency Alert System will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. It will be broadcast on television and radio across the country. The test is scheduled for 1:55 p.m. local time in British Columbia and Alberta.

The system is designed to quickly alert people in times of emergency. The test is being conducted to ensure that it is working properly. The system could be used to provide warnings about hazards such as tsunamis, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and Amber Alerts. The system will send messages to compatible wireless devices connected to LTE or 5G networks. To receive the warnings, the phone must be turned on, not in airplane mode, and the software must be updated. The 'Alert Ready' system is a joint initiative of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, broadcasters and wireless providers.

It is designed to save lives by sharing emergency safety information, so users cannot turn it off. After the trial, people may be invited to participate in a short online survey to improve the reach and effectiveness of the system.