Canada’s Alert Ready system tested in Ontario on Thursday
Posted May 6, 2026 4:00 am.
Last Updated May 7, 2026 2:10 pm.
OTTAWA — Ontarians heard the shrill screeching siren of the public alerting system on Thursday.
A test message and tone from Alert Ready was broadcast on television, radio and compatible wireless devices at 1:55 p.m. EDT.
For the rest of the country, test messages were issued on Wednesday in nearly every province and territory except Quebec and Saskatchewan at specific times between morning and early afternoon.
The system is typically tested in May and November and is part of Canada’s effort to ensure it works and raise awareness.
There is no option to opt out of the test or actual emergency alerts.
The Alert Ready system issued 28 alerts in Canada as of April 30, for emergencies including Amber Alerts, tornadoes and more.
