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2mo ago

CRTC Opens Public Consultation to Strengthen Canada’s Emergency Alert System

Public submissions will shape enhancements to accessibility, multilingual support, coverage reach, testing schedules, distribution protocols.

Canada's telecommunications regulator is launching a consultation aimed at improving the national public alerting system that is used to warn Canadians about emergency situations such as severe weather and other concerns to public safety. A person holds a cellphone showing an emergency alert in February when Southwestern British Columbia was rocked by an earthquake, which triggered some concern about the consistency and timing of alerts sent to residents.

Overview

  • The CRTC launched the national consultation on July 15 with feedback accepted until October 14, 2025.
  • The regulator is seeking input on alert accessibility for persons with disabilities and multilingual distribution reflecting community needs.
  • Review topics include wireless coverage gaps identified in May and proposed adjustments to the National Public Alerting System testing schedule.
  • Cellphone, cable and satellite providers plus radio and television broadcasters are required to relay emergency alerts issued by federal, provincial and territorial authorities.
  • Comments can be submitted via online forms, written letters, fax or sign-language video links to inform the regulator’s final recommendations.