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Canada Emergency Alert System Test: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Get ready, Canada! This Wednesday, May 7, 2025, most Canadians will experience a nationwide test of the Alert Ready emergency alert system. Your phone, radio, and TV will be sounding off – it's a crucial test to ensure the system's readiness in a real emergency.
When and Where Will the Alert Sound?
The alert will go off at different times across the country. For most provinces, it's scheduled for 1:55 p.m. local time. However, there are some exceptions:
- Ontario: 12:55 p.m. EDT
- New Brunswick: 10:55 a.m. ADT
- Prince Edward Island: 12:55 p.m. ADT
- Newfoundland & Labrador: 10:45 a.m. NDT
Note: Quebec has opted out of this particular test.
What to Expect and What to Do
The alert will be a simulated emergency message clearly marked as a test. No action is required from you. While you can't disable these alerts, you can put your phone on silent if you're concerned about being disturbed. This test is a vital part of ensuring the system’s efficiency in delivering critical information during floods, fires, AMBER alerts, and other emergencies.
Why This Test Matters
The Alert Ready system, a collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, broadcasters, and wireless providers (managed by Pelmorex), is designed to get critical information to Canadians quickly. Tests like this, conducted twice a year (May and November), are essential to ensure the system's reliability and keep Canadians prepared for real emergencies. Since 2024, the system has already delivered 877 public emergency alerts.
Stay Informed and Prepared
While this test is simply a simulation, it’s a reminder to check that your devices are properly set up to receive emergency alerts. Familiarize yourself with the Alert Ready system and what to do during a real emergency. This test will help ensure that when a real crisis happens, you're ready.
