Canada will conduct a nationwide test of its emergency alert system on Wednesday. The test will occur at different times across all provinces and territories. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandates that wireless service providers and broadcasters send at least one test alert each year, typically in May or November. The test will be managed by Alert Ready, the organization responsible for Canada’s emergency alert system. The alert will begin with the Canadian Alert Attention Signal, followed by a message indicating that it is a test and does not require any action from the public. This exercise is crucial for emergency officials to prepare for real alerts during situations such as wildfires, tornadoes, or missing persons. The test alerts will be sent at the following times: - Alberta – 1:55 p.m. MST - British Columbia – 1:55 p.m. PST - Manitoba – 1:55 p.m. CST - New Brunswick – 10:55 a.m. AST - Newfoundland and Labrador – 10:45 a.m. NST - Northwest Territories – 1:55 p.m. MST - Nova Scotia – 1:55 p.m. AST - Nunavut – 2 p.m. EST - Ontario – 12:55 p.m. EST - Prince Edward Island – 12:55 p.m. EST - Saskatchewan – 1:55 p.m. CST - Yukon – 1:55 p.m. YST In Ontario, the alert will sound at 12:55 p.m. The test alerts will be clearly marked as such, according to Alert Ready. Individuals may need to acknowledge the alert to return their devices to normal function. If not acknowledged, the alert will continue to sound and vibrate for eight seconds. People cannot opt out of receiving these test alerts, but devices must be on and connected to the network to receive them. If a device is set to silent, the alert sound may not activate, depending on the device settings. If someone does not receive the alert, they should check their device’s notification folder. It is also advisable to verify the device's compatibility with the service provider and ensure that software is up to date. Factors such as location and network connection can influence whether the alert is received. This test is part of a routine effort to ensure the emergency alert system is functioning properly. The system has issued nearly 900 emergency alerts in Canada this year as of October 31.