Canadians should prepare for their phones to chime and televisions to broadcast a test signal tomorrow nationwide. Alert Ready, the national emergency alert system managed by Pelmorex (they own The Weather Network), has scheduled a test for Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
The coordinated event is designed to ensure the system works effectively during real life-threatening situations like floods, fires, or amber alerts. Most provinces and territories will participate during the afternoon hours.
In British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon, the test signal will be sent out at 1:55 PM local time. Residents in the Northwest Territories and Newfoundland and Labrador will see the alert earlier in the morning at 9:55 AM.
Ontario is currently the only province scheduled for a different day, with its test set for Thursday, May 7, at 1:55 PM EDT. Quebec does not have a test scheduled at this time.
During the test, a distinct alert tone (that will freak you out if your phone isn’t on silent) and vibration will be triggered on wireless devices connected to LTE, followed by a message explaining that it is only a test and no action is required. Local radio and television stations will also broadcast the test message.
If you’re a shift worker, be prepared for this test as it may wake you up if your phone isn’t on silent. It’s not possible to disable these emergency wireless alerts.
Officials use these periodic checks to identify any technical gaps in the system and to remind the public of what the emergency signal sounds like. It’s always a sight to see if you’re in a busy place and to hear all phones go berserk at once.
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