No emergency alert test for Alberta given active wildfire situations: province

Alert Ready, Canada’s emergency public alerting system, was put to the test across the country today. But, the alert won’t ring in Alberta.

The test for the Alberta Emergency Alert system was cancelled given the number of active emergency alerts in the province, the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services says.

“Numerous alerts have been sent over the last 24 hours and there is full confidence that the system is working as it should,” it explained.

“A test at this time may only confuse the situation for some residents who are currently impacted by evacuation orders or alerts, and Albertans need to be able to focus on real alerts.”

The province says the system is usually tested in the fall as well, and there will give Albertans advance notice of any future tests.

Elsewhere across the country

The alert and its distinctive tone was broadcast on TV, radio, and some compatible wireless devices.

Each province or territory had a specific test time, ranging from morning to afternoon, except Quebec and Alberta.

Ontario and P.E.I. got the test at 12:55 p.m. local, while Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick received their test just before 11 a.m.

Those in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Yukon will get the test at 1:55 p.m. local time.

The test simulates an emergency but requires no action from the public, and is part of Canada’s effort to ensure the system works and raises awareness.

Canadians cannot opt out, as the system is critical for public safety.

Regulation stipulates that the system gets tested annually.