Canadians in participating provinces and territories can expect a test alert on their television, radio and compatible wireless devices.
Oakville, Ontario, Nov.17, 2025 -. Canadians across the country will receive a test alert from Alert Ready, the National Public Alerting System, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
The test message, issued by provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, will be broadcast on television, radio and compatible wireless devices. The test message will begin with the Alert Ready alert tone, followed by text indicating that this is a test only and no action is required.
One test message will be issued in each region at the times listed below.
| PROVINCE OR TERRITORY | TIME OF TEST |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 1:55 PM MST |
| British Columbia | 1:55 PM PST |
| Manitoba | 1:55 PM CST |
| New Brunswick | 10:55 AM AST |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 10:45 AM NST |
| Northwest Territories | 1:55 PM MST |
| Nova Scotia | 1:55 PM AST |
| Nunavut | 2:00 PM EST |
| Ontario | 12:55 PM EST |
| Prince Edward Island | 12:55 PM AST |
| Quebec | 1:55 PM EST |
| Saskatchewan | 1:55 PM CST |
| Yukon | 1:55 PM YST |
Why is the test important?
Regular testing is essential to:
- Confirm reliability of the end-to-end system performance.
- Increase public awareness and encourage emergency preparedness.
- Allow emergency officials to practice issuing critical, life-saving alerts (e.g., tornadoes, fires, AMBER alerts).
Wireless Device Compatibility
Not all mobile devices will receive the test alert. Reception depends on factors like device compatibility, connection to the LTE or 5G network and cell tower coverage. Alerts are distributed on multiple platforms to help ensure receipt of this important information directly, or via being near to someone who has.
To learn more about cell phone compatibility click here.
Can you opt out from receiving an alert?
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.
Roles and responsibilities
Alert Ready is a collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, Pelmorex, broadcasters, and wireless service providers. The system delivered more than 895 emergency alerts in 2025.
Participation and background
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) requires that broadcasters and wireless providers issue at least one test alert each year, in May and/or November. Participation in the test is determined by each provincial and territorial emergency management organization (EMO).
For ongoing updates about the test, follow the official Alert Ready X page.
–30-
To arrange an interview about the Alert Ready test, please contact:
Madelaine Lapointe, Pelmorex
Mediainquiry@pelmorex.com
About Alert Ready
Alert Ready is Canada’s emergency alerting system. Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices. The Alert Ready system was developed with many partners, including federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers. Together, these partners work to ensure Canadians receive alerts immediately and know when to take action to stay safe.
To learn more, visit alertready.ca and follow us on LinkedIn and X.