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The Alert Ready emergency alert test will be broadcast across TV, radio and mobile devices in all provinces and territories except Quebec
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OAKVILLE, Ontario, May 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A test of Canada’s national emergency alert system, Alert Ready, will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 across most provinces and territories as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.
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The Alert Ready emergency alert test will be broadcast on television, radio and compatible wireless devices connected to an LTE or 5G network. Canadians in participating provinces and territories will receive one test message from their provincial or territorial emergency management organization at the times listed below.
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This annual emergency alert test in Canada is designed to ensure the system continues to function effectively and to help Canadians recognize alert signals in the event of a real emergency.
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Alert Ready Test Times – May 6, 2026
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| PROVINCE OR TERRITORY | TIME OF TEST |
| Alberta | 1:55 PM MDT |
| British Columbia | 1:55 PM PDT |
| Manitoba | 1:55 PM CDT |
| New Brunswick | 10:55 AM ADT |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 9:55 AM NDT |
| Northwest Territories | 9:55 AM MDT |
| Nova Scotia | 1:55 PM ADT |
| Nunavut | 1:55 PM EDT |
| Ontario | Test rescheduled to May 7, 12:55 PM EDT |
| Prince Edward Island | 12:55 PM ADT |
| Quebec | No test scheduled |
| Saskatchewan | 1:55 PM CST |
| Yukon | 1:55 PM YST |
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What Canadians will hear and see
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The test message will simulate an emergency alert and will begin with the Canadian Alert Attention Signal. It will clearly indicate that it is a test and that no action is required.
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The Alert Ready test is part of Canada’s emergency alert system testing program, ensuring Canadians can recognize alerts during real emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, wildfires and AMBER Alerts.
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Why the Alert Ready test matters
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The Alert Ready emergency alert test helps to:
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- Increase public awareness of Canada’s emergency alert system
- Encourage Canadians to discuss and improve household emergency preparedness
- Validate system reliability across broadcasters, wireless providers, and emergency management organizations
- Provide operational practice for issuing real-time emergency alerts
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Will I receive the alert on my phone?
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The test message will be distributed across TV, radio and wireless devices. However, not all Canadians will receive the alert on their mobile device due to:
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- Device compatibility
- Wireless network connectivity (LTE/5G)
- Cell tower coverage
- Device settings or software configuration
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More information on compatible devices is available here.
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Can Canadians opt out of the Alert Ready test?
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No. Canadians cannot opt out of the Alert Ready system, including test alerts.
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Because the system is designed to warn Canadians of imminent threats to life, all emergency alerts are sent to the public in the designated area through television, radio and compatible wireless devices.
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Why is the Alert Ready test happening in May?
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