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November 25, 2020 National Public Alert Test

What is the purpose of this alert?

This alert is a test of the Alert Ready System. This system delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices.

The Department of Community and Government services, Emergency Management Division (NEM) has partnered with Alert Ready and other stakeholders to deliver this test message in Nunavut. It aims to assess its effectiveness in the Nunavut context.

Who is involved?

Alert Ready was developed with many partners, including the Department of Community and Government services, Emergency Management Division, other federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers.

Where will these alerts be transmitted?

Local Canadian channels broadcasting will display the alert message. Radio transmission of the message will be via CBC Radio. Cellular message alerts will be received by mobile phones connected to an LTE network with settings adjusted to receive test messages.

Why did I receive this message?

The Department of Community and Government services, Emergency Management Division in collaboration with Alert Ready, test the alert systems to ensure that alert messages are delivered efficiently and effectively in the event of an actual emergency. Test alerts educate Canadians on what an emergency alert will look and sound like in the event of a life-threatening situation.

How will these alerts affect me?

These tests will only affect TV and Radio distribution channels for no more than thirty seconds and an approximate eight second alert tone on cellular devices.

What should I do?

No action is required by the public when they receive these tests alerts.

Why am I not receiving alerts?

Cellular device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower availability and coverage, device software and settings will affect cellular reception of the test message. Please see the How to Check Your LTE Compatibility Settings section of this page for more information on how ensure your device is connected to LTE.

If your community does not have enough subscribers to TV channels, the test message might only be transmitted on the weather network. Radio transmission will be done through CBC regional radio and will not be read on local radio.

How to Check Your LTE Compatibility Settings

Android Users: Compatible devices must be connected to an LTE network at the time an alert is distributed. The symbol, usually located in the upper right-hand corner of your device, will help you to identify what network you are connected to.

IPhone Users: WPA-compatible devices must be connected to an LTE network at the time an alert is distributed. The symbols located in the upper right-hand corner of your device will help you to identify what network you are connected to.

However, it is important to understand that even if you’re in an area that has LTE coverage, what you are doing with your device at the time an alert is issued will impact your ability to receive it. For example:

  • If you have set your device to Wi-Fi only, you will not receive an alert.
  • If you are on a voice call at the time of the alert, you may not receive an alert. Voice calls may move your connection to a non-LTE network, like 3G, even if you are in an LTE area.
  • If you are in a location that makes signal reception difficult at the time of the alert, such as an underground garage, you may not receive an alert.

    What steps will Emergency Management Division take to assess the current test NEM will receive feedback from Nunavummiut through our email NPAS@gov.nu.ca and will use that feedback to determine the reach and effectiveness of the test.

    Are there any other ways Nunavummiut can be made aware of an emergency situation

    In the event of an emergency we would contact the hamlets where the emergency was taking place and they would relay the message to Nunavummiut through their own channels. That could be broadcasting on the local radio or using resources on the ground to spread the message.

    Where can I get more information?

    For more information about the Alert Ready System, please see Alertready.ca. For more information on the impact on Nunavut, please email NPAS@gov.nu.ca any of your questions and/or concerns.