Ontario, Quebec opt out of Wednesday’s alert-system test

Ontario and Quebec have decided to opt out of what was supposed to be a nationwide test of Canada’s Alert Ready system on Wednesday.

Public Safety Canada says it received notices last week that the country’s two biggest provinces won’t be taking part in the test because neither wants to send unnecessary alert tones to residents already dealing with flooding.

The alert sounds on cellphones, televisions, and radio stations to warn about disasters, biological and terrorist threats, and civil emergencies. It also notifies residents about amber alerts.

Provinces and territories are allowed to opt out if they think it would be too disruptive during a real emergency.

System operators are mandated to conduct nationwide testing of the service twice a year.